One in five have personally felt fear or danger after breaking down, with women disproportionately affected by safety concerns on rural and unlit roads.
New data has revealed a hidden anxiety among UK drivers: breaking down after dark. According to a new study by breakdown cover provider ALA Insurance, 38% of UK motorists say they feel unsafe when stranded at night, with concerns about isolation, poor visibility, and the fear of strangers fuelling unease on roads up and down the country.
The research shows that motorways, unlit roads, and rural areas top the list of places drivers dread breaking down the most – with more than half of drivers (55–56%) reporting they’d feel unsafe in these locations due to the lack of lighting, high-speed traffic, and sparse surroundings.
And it’s not just hypothetical fears: one in five drivers (20%) say they’ve actually experienced fear or danger during a nighttime breakdown, with top worries including:
- Being stranded alone (52%)
- Poor visibility (49%)
- Lack of phone signal or help nearby (47%)
- Fear of being stuck all night (40%)
- Strangers approaching (37%)
The data also shines a light on a concerning gender divide when it comes to feeling safe at night on UK roads.
- On unlit minor roads, 69% of women say they feel unsafe compared to 53% of men.
- In rural areas, the gap persists: 64% of women vs 45% of men.
- When it comes to fear of strangers, the difference is stark – 45% of women are concerned, compared to just 27% of men.
Dawn Cranmer at ALA Insurance commented:
“This research reveals just how vulnerable many UK drivers feel, especially women, when facing a breakdown at night. With so many reporting fear and isolation, it’s clear we need improved safety measures and better awareness around roadside support.”
ALA Insurance is urging drivers to take simple but effective steps to feel more secure in the event of a breakdown after dark. Their expert tips include:
Prioritise Personal Safety: “If you break down, assess your surroundings. If you break down on the motorway, move to the hard shoulder or an emergency refuge area if possible, switch on your hazard lights, and call for help. If it’s safe, exit the vehicle from the passenger side and wait behind a safety barrier, but never attempt repairs yourself or return to the car until assistance arrives.
“If your vehicle is causing an obstruction, you’re in immediate danger, or you can’t reach a safe location, call 999; otherwise, contact your breakdown provider or use a motorway emergency phone for assistance.
“In rural or poorly lit areas, lock your doors and stay inside if you feel unsafe, calling for help immediately.”
Always Have Breakdown Cover: “One of the most effective ways to reduce stress during a breakdown is knowing you have 24/7 emergency assistance just a call away. A reliable breakdown cover policy ensures help arrives quickly, no matter where you are.
Stay Visible: “Poor visibility can be dangerous, so always carry a high-visibility vest and a torch in your vehicle. If safe to do so, turn on hazard lights and use reflective warning triangles to alert other drivers to your presence.
Prepare for All Conditions: “Changing weather can make breakdowns more challenging, so keep essentials in your car, such as a warm blanket, waterproof jacket, snacks, and water. A well-stocked emergency kit can make a long wait more bearable.
Learn the Basics: “Not knowing what’s wrong with your vehicle or how to fix it can add to stress. Learning simple checks like changing a tyre, checking oil levels, or jump-starting a battery can provide reassurance in minor breakdowns.
Trust Your Instincts: “If you feel unsafe, call for assistance immediately and let someone know your location. Avoid accepting help from strangers unless necessary.”
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