RAC issues warning to drivers ahead of expected thunderstorms

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As the Met Office expects the weather to turn from sunshine to thunderstorms in the UK this week, RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Sudden downpours have the potential to quickly make the roads far more dangerous places - a fact illustrated by official figures that show an average of 1,660 people are killed or seriously injured every year as a result of bad weather making roads slippery. In 2022 alone, the most recent year for which data is available, there were 53 such fatalities. Our patrols are also expecting a 75% rise in calls from drivers whose vehicles become ditched or bogged due to intense rainfall.

“Anyone travelling by car when thunderstorms are expected should delay their journeys until the storms pass if possible. Otherwise, it’s best to stick to major roads, reduce speeds and always keep a firm grip of the steering wheel. It’s essential motorists do everything they can to avoid breaking down in the first place, like checking oil and coolant levels on their cars when the engine is cold. Oil should be topped up if it’s low, and if coolant isn’t between the ‘min’ and ‘max’ levels then drivers should top that up too – or take their car to a reputable Mobile Mechanic or garage to get it checked without delay.”

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The RAC Media Centre provides journalists and news outlets with the latest motoring-related news, comment, data and research.

The RAC is an iconic UK brand, and provides complete peace of mind to nearly 14 million UK private and business drivers - whatever their motoring needs. As well as its premium nationwide breakdown assistance service – with an expert branded patrol workforce attending more than two million breakdowns every year – and European breakdown assistance products, it offers a wide range of market-leading products across insurance, legal services, vehicle inspections and service, maintenance and repair. Included in this is the first-of-its-kind nationwide Mobile Mechanics service which brings the garage to homes and workplaces. 

At the forefront of new solutions for business fleets and consumers, the RAC’s breakdown service is electric-ready with mobile EV charging technology and be called on using myRAC – its all-in-one route planner, fuel finder and breakdown reporting app

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