A new study of drivers in the U.K. shows the vast majority -- 80%-- have ignored a vehicle fault at the outset of a long journey.
According to new survey results released by Autoglass, a Bedford, U.K.-based vehicle glass repair and replacement provider, 40% of respondents had continued a long-distance trip with a chipped or cracked windscreen. Another 37% had driven with low tyre pressure or worn tread, 35% with worn or defective wipers and 28% with an active dashboard warning light.
Only 20% said they stopped or addressed a fault immediately after noticing it.
The survey also found 47% of drivers had paid up to £500 in unexpected roadside repair costs during the previous two years. Another 17% reported costs below £100, 23% paid between £100 and £250, 8% paid between £251 and £500 and 3% reported costs above £500.
Autoglass also reported 69% of respondents had experienced a breakdown or vehicle damage while away from home on a U.K. road trip. Among drivers reporting damage on long journeys, 51% cited potholes or poor road surfaces and 46% cited loose gravel, stones or other debris.
Phil Whiddon, technician spokesperson for Autoglass, said minor faults can become more serious during long-distance travel.
“Minor faults can quickly become major problems, particularly when combined with potholes, extreme weather and long-distance driving,” Whiddon said.
The published material does not identify the survey sample size, polling company, fieldwork dates or weighting methodology.
