Older travellers are encouraged to give their car a check before travelling long distances this Easter
[UKPRwire, Fri Apr 24 2009] As millions of motorists plan to contend with the traditional traffic jams this Easter Bank Holiday, Age Concern Insurance Services reminds all drivers about the importance of carrying out checks on the health of their vehicle before hitting the road.
Information revealing that British airport passenger numbers fell by 1.9% last year for the first time in 18 years* suggests that a warning to ensure your car is roadworthy is well-timed. The weak pound and a drop in disposable income means that an increasing amount of holidaymakers are staying in the UK this Easter, which could lead to many more cars on the motorways and escape routes over the Easter weekend.
Joe Young, Age Concern Insurance Services, says: “We know from our work with older people that a lengthy car journey can be daunting. We are encouraging travellers not to leave home without taking a few extra precautions, which could prevent them paying a much higher price in the long run.
“Age Concern Insurance Services believe that all older drivers should have peace of mind when making long trips by car. Our Motor Breakdown Service provides cover for vehicles and people of any age across the UK, providing all customers with benefits such as medical transfer and driver rescue cover** and a message service, which can relieve the distress of a breakdown situation and alert the customer’s family or friends. We hope that our top tips will help as many older people as possible enjoy an uninterrupted Easter break.”
Essential things to check before setting off on a long road trip include:
• Have you got a full tank of petrol?
• Is there enough oil, coolant and windscreen wash?
• Do your indicators, headlights and brake lights work?
• Have you checked your tyres? (Especially your spare!)
All long distance drivers should also ensure that they have plenty of refreshments in the car along with lots of warm clothing, motor breakdown & car insurance documents and a mobile phone – should the worst happen.
Age Concern Insurance Services top tips include:
• Move your vehicle off the road – try and make sure that it is not obstructing other drivers
• Warn other roads users that you have broken down – use your hazard warning lights and triangle
• Do not sit in your car – ensure that all passengers are out of the vehicle and away from the edge of the road
• Phone for help
There is a wide range of breakdown insurance on the market, but prices and quality of cover vary immensely. Age Concern’s motor breakdown cover is available for people of all ages, with benefits such as restarting your car at home and emergency travel and overnight accommodation included as standard in the policy***. Cover compares very favourably compared to some of the best-known specialist organisations, especially as customers receive great service from a UK-wide network of some 1,250 breakdown specialists.
