DESIGNATED DRIVERS UNWITTINGLY RUN RISKS THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE
As many of us look forward to enjoying New Year’s Eve parties, research has found that half of motorists (54%) are likely to find themselves called upon to act as a designated driver for friends, family or work colleagues this year – potentially placing themselves and their passengers at risk.
A study from Halfords Autocentres has found that a third of designated drivers (31%) will be getting behind the wheel of a vehicle that is not their own this year but around the same number (30%) don’t realise that will be their responsibility to ensure the vehicle they are driving is roadworthy.
One in five people (21%) believe accountability for an unroadworthy car lies with the owner, whilst 5% don’t know who is responsible and 4% think it is the garage that last carried out the MOT or the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Stefan Warhaftig from Halfords Autocentres said: “Doing friends or family a good turn by being the designated driver this New Year’s Eve could prove extremely costly if you fail to make the necessary precautions beforehand.”
“Simple checks like ensuring there is enough tread on tyres not only mean you driving safely but help avoid a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per illegal tyre. Driving an uninsured car can add up to eight penalty points to your license as well as attracting a hefty fine – so be sure to read the small print on your insurance policy to make sure you are covered.”
If you’re put in a position where you will be driving an unfamiliar car, don’t leave safety or reliability to chance by assuming the owner has maintained it properly – as no one wants to be stranded at the road side on the way to or from a party by a breakdown.
Half of the motorists Halfords Autocentres surveyed had been designated drivers in the past – with a third (29%) admitting that at least one light on the vehicle was not working at the time. Almost as many (28%) didn’t know whether the tread on the vehicle’s tyres was legal, or whether they were correctly inflated (19%), and one in ten (11%) didn’t know how much oil was in the engine.
Stefan Warhaftig added: “We want designated drivers to be aware of their responsibilities this New Year’s Eve, so have created a checklist in our Winter Survival Guide that will help them enjoy a safe start to 2015 and avoid the pitfalls of being a chauffeur for the night.”
Halfords Autocentres Winter Survival Guide also contains information on a variety of other scenarios - from how to avoid a skid, to administering first aid and getting out of deep snow. To download a free copy visit http://www.halfordsautocentres.com/advice/news/winter-survival-guide.
ENDS
Media contact:
Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager, T: 01527 513410, E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
Chloe Stewart, PR Coordinator, T: 01527 513315, E: chloe.stewart@halfords.co.uk
Notes to Editors:
Winter driving survey conducted for Halfords Autocentres by TLF Research during October 2014. Findings based on 2024 respondents.
About Halfords Autocentres
Halfords Autocentres is a leading independent garage network with a heritage spanning more than three decades.
Highly trained technicians at over 300 Halfords Autocentres carry out over 1 million jobs a year - including MOTs, car servicing and repairs as well as tyre sales and fitting - for over 850,000 customers a year, with more than 9 out of 10 of them being happy to recommend us to their friends.
Being independent means that we deliver dealership quality work at more affordable prices for any make or model of car. We offer a price match guarantee and a minimum guarantee of 12 months or 12,000 miles on work carried out (See website for terms and conditions).