The Highways Agency has urged motorists to check their fuel levels before setting off on a long journey.
The warning comes after 15,788 vehicles broke down on England’s motorways after running out of fuel between July 1st 2008 and June 30th 2009.
Derek Turner, director of network operations at the Highways Agency, said that he was alarmed by the figure: “It’s not only hazardous to the driver and passengers, but to other road users as well, especially if the vehicle has to stop in a live lane.”
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Motorways can be the most dangerous places to break down so before any long journey, it important to check tyre pressure and oil and fuel levels.”
Check you are covered against ‘running dry’
When you buy breakdown cover, it’s important to check the general exclusions.
Most companies will come out to you if you run out of fuel, but some will charge extra if you have put the incorrect type of fuel in your tank – few will recover your vehicle if it has been involved in an accident.
The Environmental Transport Association (ETA) is an ethical company that will attend a breakdown whether it has been caused by running dry, mis-fuelling or following an accident.
Improving your car’s fuel efficiency
Making small changes to your driving style, and how you use your car while driving, can make big differences to your car’s fuel effciency.
Where possible drive with the windows up to reduce drag and make your fuel consumption more efficient.
Try not to be in a hurry. Stressed driving can be erratic and is uneconomical. Simply relax and try to enjoy the trip.
Try not to beat the lights. The chances are that if you hit a red light and then try to beat all the following lights, you will rush but miss them anyway. If you drive at a more sedate speed you will usually find that by the time you reach the next light it will have turned green again.
Air conditioning should be limited as it uses more fuel.
Switch off the engine if you think you will stationary for more than two minutes.
Keep your speed down as driving at 50-60 mph means your emissions will be lowest. Driving over 70mph will rapidly increase your emissions. It can cost you up to 25% more in fuel to drive at 70mph compared to 50mph.
Avoid unnecessary revving or idling of the engine as this uses more fuel.
Harsh acceleration and braking can use up to 30% more fuel and can cause increased wear and tear on the vehicle.
Control your speed Speed limits are there to be observed, but did you know that travelling at less than 15mph creates the most pollution? As your speed increases up to 60mph, your level of pollution decreases. Travelling over 60mph increases your level of pollution again.
Careful motorway driving will improve safety and traffic flow. The concertina effect caused by one motorist braking sharply often results in traffic slowing to a near stop due to the delayed reaction of drivers behind. If we try to observe the car three or four ahead and give ourselves some distance from the car in front we can anticipate and judge the necessary speed. When you see a car brake up ahead, simply remove your foot from the accelerator.
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