Millions of drivers warned to prepare for ‘frantic Friday’ on British roads

More cars break down in August than any other month of year, Department for Transport says

Motorists are being warned to prepare for a "Frantic Friday" this week (Getty iStock)

Motorists are being warned to prepare for a “Frantic Friday” as millions of drivers take to the roads with a predicted increase in breakdowns.

August is the busiest month on British roads and Friday is the busiest day of the week for traffic, Department for Transport figures show.

More cars also break down during journeys in August than in any other month and Fridays are the most common day for drivers and their passengers to be rescued.

But research from Swinton Insurance found 57 per cent of drivers take less than 20 minutes to prepare for a long journey.

The survey also found a quarter of British drivers would spend less than 10 minutes preparing for a long drive of over two hours, with male drivers the worst culprits.

It also emerged only three in five drivers feel confident they know what level of breakdown cover they have, falling to less than a third among 18-24-year-olds (30 per cent).

“A car breakdown is always a pain to have to deal with, but if you’re on a staycation it could really ruin your holiday," said Mike McGrail of Swinton Insurance. "No one wants to waste time waiting for help at the side of the road, so making a few simple checks before you set off to make sure your car is ready for a long trip is a really good idea.

“That way you can spend your staycation relaxing on the beach, not stewing by the side of the motorway."

There are some simple checks you can make yourself before you set off on your staycation that can help keep you safe on the road and prepared for a breakdown should the worst happen.

“Basic checks on your vehicle not only save you a lot of heartache as you head off for your well-earned break, but also make sure you, your passengers and other road users are as safe as possible," said Rebecca Ashton, head of policy and research at road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, said:

“Having prepared your car for the summer getaway, it would be great if you also stayed in the habit when you get back and keep on doing checks weekly. It’s a great way to help make sure you and your passengers are safe on the road whatever the time of year.”

SWNS