Research from RAC breakdown has revealed that 31% of motorists are preparing to drive through the winter without roadside breakdown cover. Whats more, young women aged 18-24 are the least likely to be covered with 40% risking being stranded at the roadside.
The study showed that increasing financial pressures and confusing price structures are causing many motorists to cancel their breakdown cover and take the risk of being stranded. Over a third (35%) of all motorists have broken down without cover with 12% of these taking over four hours to reach their destination as a result.
The RAC's research also discovered the motorist's own family are most likely to come to their rescue with young people especially likely to rely on help from others.
It was also apparent that motorists wildly overestimate the cost of breakdown cover with 76% of motorists surveyed unaware that roadside assistance is available for under £40 a year from some providers. This misinformation is now made worse by the current economic situation, with 35% of motorists without cover stating that financial pressures are their primary reason for not being covered.
RAC patrol of the year, Iain Vale, commented: "Times are tight but forsaking breakdown cover could lead to a costly and worrying situation. I'm especially concerned that young people are unnecessarily putting themselves at risk. My experience as a patrol means I've come across vulnerable young people at the roadside in the dark and relying on family and friends to rescue you isn't the best option."
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