- As the UK takes to the roads over the festive period, VWFS reminds drivers to check they’re prepared for any potential car troubles on the way
- 40% of drivers are not confident enough to change a tyre and more than a third of drivers wouldn’t feel prepared if they broke down
- 48% of drivers don’t have provisions in their car for emergencies
The UK is gearing up to drive home for Christmas, but they might be on thin ice on the roads. Worryingly, 40% of drivers wouldn’t be confident changing a tyre and a third say they wouldn’t feel prepared if they broke down.
The research, undertaken by Volkswagen Financial Services, has shown that drivers ranked a sat nav (23%), water (19%) and their phone chargers (17%) as the most important necessities for a long trip, but only 12% said they took food, 9% warm clothing and just 6% packed blankets in case of emergency.
In total, 48% of drivers said they don’t have provisions in their car for an emergency, and one in 10 (11%) has no breakdown cover. This could leave them stranded far from home if anything goes wrong.
“With our cars being more reliable than ever before, it’s easy to miss emergency supplies off the packing list. However, by taking some simple provisions and undertaking a few vehicle checks, motorists can be more confident that they’ll arrive at their destinations in a festive mood,” says Mike Todd, Chief Executive Officer at Volkswagen Financial Services UK.
“In the UK we’re more likely to be facing rainstorms than heavy snow this December, so making sure your windscreen wipers are in good condition is crucial; no-one wants to be blinded by heavy rain on a motorway. Checking tyre pressure and the tread on tyres is also vital from both a safety and a fuel efficiency perspective.
“Whilst a white Christmas is relatively rare in the UK, the last thing anyone wants is to be stranded in wintery conditions with no supplies. Emergency provisions are a sensible thing to take on your journey; blankets, appropriate footwear and warm clothing will be invaluable if you do get stuck.”
Taking regular breaks is vital too. With more than 60% of people travelling for two hours or more, it’s important to plan breaks to rest, grab a coffee and stretch your legs.
“It might seem bizarre, but another great tip is to build a playlist before you set off. With almost a quarter (24%) of drivers saying they have a carpool karaoke on long trips, trying to skip songs or search for favourite songs whilst driving can detract the driver’s attention and it only takes a split second for something to change up ahead on the road. Having a pre-planned Christmas playlist that you simply put on before you set off sets you up for a safer journey and gets everyone in the festive mood.” Mike adds.
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