29 Dec 2019
Posted by Barry Aldworth 
Motorists with a passenger in labour, on their way to the airport, or en-route to hospital were among some of the most poorly-timed car breakdowns last year (2018) a recent analysis has found.
While there’s no such thing as a good time for your car to breakdown, an analysis of 2018 breakdowns reported to AA Rescue has found that over 1,300 people contacted the breakdown assistance service last year after their car broke down when they needed to get to hospital. Included in this were 21 cases where a passenger in the vehicle was in labour.
“Last year alone we dealt with 1,302 breakdowns where either the motorist needed to get to hospital or they were escorting someone who needed treatment. Car breakdowns are never an enjoyable experience, but in a case of Murphy’s Law you can almost guarantee that they will happen at the most inconvenient time,” Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs stated. “It’s important, particularly during the winter months where some motoring issues such as old or defective batteries can be magnified, that people stay on top of their car maintenance to help reduce the risk of a winter breakdown.”
“Our Rescue patrols will always do their best to prioritise urgent cases, for example where someone is travelling to hospital or a passenger is in labour, but taking the preventative step of keeping your car in good order is always the best approach. We haven’t had to deliver a baby at the road-side just yet, but I’m sure our patrols have had a few close calls.”
Those who may be planning a holiday to Christmas markets or hoping to squeeze in some winter sun, are also being encouraged not to overlook car maintenance.
Last year alone, the AA was called out to almost 1,000 breakdowns involving someone about to travel abroad. In total, AA Rescue attended to 905 breakdowns where the motorist or one of their passengers was due to catch a flight, while a further 47 breakdowns involved someone due to take a ferry.
“For most of us the holiday season is in the rear-view mirror, but if you are fortunate enough to be planning a winter getaway this year it’s important that you don’t overlook the first stage of the holiday – getting to the airport or your ferry,” Faughnan added. “The last thing you want to happen when you’re running late for a flight or have a car full of excited children is for a breakdown to happen, but they unfortunately can happen. In the days leading up to your holiday carry out a quick once-over of your vehicle and have any pressing issues checked by a professional to at least reduce your risk of experiencing an unwelcome delay.”
