Car access is more important than ever, third of drivers say

Cars more important than ever but with overall use down many owners may experience breakdowns

Car access is more important than ever, third of drivers say
Image: Bigstock.

A third of drivers say having access to a car is more important than ever following the coronavirus outbreak, while one-in-ten have actually stopped driving completely since the government began an enforced lockdown, according to new research from the RAC.

The figures underline the increasing reliance many drivers have on their cars to help complete essential journeys, with three-quarters (75 per cent) saying they use the car for permitted food shopping, 28 per cent saying they use it to get to pharmacies, and 18 per cent needing the car to provide care or help to a vulnerable person.

20 per cent also say they use the car to get to work as they are in a role where they can’t work from home.

While nine per cent of drivers say they still need their car most days, the majority say they are now using their cars once a week or less (60 per cent) for essential trips.

Related: DPF-related faults expected to soar following lockdown

The research also showed that the vast majority of drivers (97 per cent) heeded the government’s ‘stay at home’ instruction over the warm Easter weekend.

Breakdowns attended by RAC patrols were also down sharply over Easter compared to last year – across the UK there were 50 per cent fewer breakdowns between Good Friday and Easter Monday.

However, there was an unexpected spike in breakdowns on Tuesday – presumably as some drivers started their cars for the first time in weeks.

Related: Dangers of MOT extension all too evident, IAAF says

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “These figures highlight the important role the private car still plays in enabling people to complete their essential journeys during lockdown.

“The reality for many people is that they still rely on the car for certain trips – be it for weekly food shopping, to get to and from work or when looking after a vulnerable person.

“The government has indicated that food shopping should be done as infrequently as possible, and consequently many people are using their cars to carry heavy bags of groceries.

“But only using cars infrequently can lead to problems, particularly with batteries.”

Share your comments below.

Have your say!

0 0

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.