RAC research reveals risky driver cost-cutting measures
RAC research has revealed that 20% of drivers under the age of 40 have skipped MOTs or not replaced worn tyres in order to save money.
Among all drivers, 10% have driven vehicles with worn tyres or those that have missed MOTs.
Meanwhile, 19% of those surveyed for the RAC’s annual Report on Motoring say they have delayed necessary repairs or limited or cancelled services altogether due to cost.
It found that 36% of under 20s have delayed vital maintenance with 74% saying the cost of servicing their car has increased since last year.
However, the RAC said this was a false economy with 59% of drivers facing unexpected repair costs over the past 12 months, with the average total amount spent on these unexpected repairs is an incredible £617.
RAC worries
RAC breakdown spokesperson Simon Williams said: “It’s very worrying that so many drivers under the age of 44 appear to have risked breaking the law by not putting their vehicles through the MOT and running them on tyres that should have been replaced, all in an attempt to save some money.
“Safety on our roads is paramount. The MOT is a legal requirement for good reason: skipping it jeopardises the safety of all road users, including the driver. Tyres are a vehicle’s only contact with the road, so it’s vital they are in good condition and have plenty of tread – anyone who drives with poor tread or substandard tyres risks being involved in a collision.
“Those drivers who have taken the decision not to get their cars serviced or repaired might think they’re saving money, but they could very easily find themselves facing a far bigger garage bill for something which could have been cheaper to fix earlier on. They might also find themselves stuck in a breakdown situation at the side of the road, which can be both dangerous and expensive depending on whether they have the right roadside assistance cover.”
