Where is the worst place you’ve ever broken down?
Research released today has revealed that, of all the things British drivers fear about breaking down, being left unable to contact anyone to ask for help is the worst.

1,685 British drivers aged over 18 were asked what their biggest fears were of breaking down.

The majority of drivers agreed that the worst time to breakdown is late at night (52%) but more than a third of drivers (36%) couldn’t bear the thought of getting stuck in the rush hour. Men are more worried about this than women (43% compared to 28%). Eight per cent of men agree that there’s nothing worse than breaking down when you’re meant to be enjoying yourself.

Other figures include:
8% of men feared breaking down on the hard shoulder compared to 21% of women

38% of women feared breaking down on a quiet country road compared to 25% of men.

Other dreaded hotspots include on a roundabout (30% men and 31% women)

The survey highlights the nation’s biggest anxieties about their car giving up on them. Nearly three out of five (57%) agreed that being unable to make a phone call is their greatest worry. Those surveyed placed this above breaking down alone in the car (4%), in a deserted spot (13%) or without knowing where you are (12%).

Steve Price, M&S Insurance Manager, is intrigued by the findings. “These results show how, even in the most vulnerable situations, people need to feel in control. It may seem obvious, but doing a quick check for your phone before you get in the car will ensure you have the means to make a call.”

Other findings
The motorway hard shoulder posed less of a concern for most drivers, with only a quarter rating it the worst place to break down (24%)

Only one in ten drivers (11%) hated the idea of breaking down in the middle of their local high street or town centre

Drivers are most likely to call their husband, wife or partner when they breakdown (69%)

Older drivers in their 50s are more likely to call their children (12%)

Young drivers will get on the phone to their mum and dad to sort them out (56%)

Drivers between 18 and 24 years old are more worried about breaking down in the rush hour than any other time (43%)

More than half of drivers over 55 believe their car is very reliable and don’t worry about breaking down at all (51%)

Compared to other UK drivers, Scottish drivers are least likely to have some kind of breakdown cover

10 Top Tips From M&S Car Insurance:
1.Before going on any kind of journey, make sure you take a fully charged phone with you so you can reach help if you need to. Have al list of useful contact numbers with you
2.Plan your route so you know where you are at each step of the journey. If you are taking an unfamiliar journey then let people know where you are going and estimated arrival times
3.Keep your car regularly serviced and make frequent checks on your tyres, water and oil
4.Avoid travelling late at night if you can help it. If you have to, then make sure you keep a flash light in your car
5.If you dislike driving in particular busy times, then try and plan your journeys around them to avoid heavy traffic
6.If you breakdown on the motorway on the hard shoulder, do not wait for help in your car. Exit the car from the passenger door and move to a safe area
7.If you do breakdown, always make sure you activate your hazard lights so that people know you are in trouble and need assistance
8.Installing a satellite navigation system in your car would help you know your location at any time, especially if you break down some unfamiliar. This will help roadside rescue find your as quickly as possible
9.If you are travelling abroad on holiday, make sure you check the country’s road regulations and ensure you have the right equipment with you, should you break down
10.Make sure you have adequate car insurance and that it includes breakdown cover. Keep your insurance documents in a convenient but safe place and make sure you have a roadside rescue number on you at all times when driving