Don't leave your car lights on

01 October 2008

Data from motoring experts Green Flag has revealed that a high number of drivers leave their lights on when the clocks go back. As the end of British Summertime is approaching, Green Flag warns that motorists may come back to a flat battery if they aren't diligent this time of year.

Dan Robinson, Head of Green Flag, comments, "There is a direct correlation between our rescue call outs for flat batteries and the end of British Summertime. During the Summer, call outs are pretty consistent however, as the nights get darker the number of flat batteries significantly increases. A major reason for this is the increased likelihood of drivers leaving their lights on, as well as increased use of heaters, windscreen wipers and fog lights during the darker months."

Robinson continues, "At Green Flag, we recognise there are a number of things that can go wrong in the winter and because of this we don't limit the number of call outs we will attend unlike some other recovery operators."

"Flat batteries are the number one cause of breakdowns. To prevent this happening, drivers can take their car to a local garage where most offer to test batteries for free and of course, remembering to turn off lights!"

Common Green Flag Call Outs

  • Non-starts, including flat batteries
  • Accidents
  • Problems with the tyres such as punctures
  • Cooling system problems such as overheating
  • Locking keys in the car
  • Running out of fuel.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  • Green Flag provides rapid breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • Green Flag's incident management centre in Leeds manages around 1m breakdown incidents each year
  • Customers have access to a national network of thousands of independent recovery agents in the UK and on mainland Europe.

For more information please contact:

Claire Foster
Green Flag Press Officer
Tel: 020 8285 8682
Email: claire.foster@rbs.co.uk