Car technology to blame for fall in driving standards according to vehicle breakdown owner


Car technology to blame for fall in driving standards according to vehicle breakdown owner

Tech upgrades such as mobile phones and sat-navs are diverting attention away from roads and creating a false sense of security, claims the owner of Kavanagh rescue, Kieron Kavanagh. He says more is needed to inform motorists on how to protect themselves in certain road situations as he claimed motorists put themselves in danger with a simple lack of knowledge. 

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Mr Kavanagh said: “Although I’d like to think the standard of driving has gone up in recent years I don’t think this is the case, unfortunately.

“We see an over-reliance on vehicle technology which can create a false sense of safety. 

“With so many distractions, such as mobile phones and sat-navs, it seems like less attention is on the road.

“Motorists now seem less tolerant, maybe have less time available to them and, this, coupled with a congested road network all contribute to a different driving style and, sometimes, lack of consideration of other road users.” 

READ MORE: AA breakdown crews refuse to stop on smart motorways 

“Working on the roadside, in general, will always create unique and tricky situations.”

Despite this, he issued a chilling warning to road users as he claimed a simple lack of knowledge was to blame for many of the issues he has seen at breakdown jobs. 

He called for more to be done to educate motorists on how to protect themselves on the road to avoid potentially dangerous situations from arising. 

He said: “Breaking down today or in the years gone by has never been a pleasant or wholly safe situation, but today there are so many more vehicles on the road network.” 

He added: “The biggest danger is the lack of knowledge motorists have when a vehicle breaks down. 

“Many motorists simply do not know what to do and can actually put themselves in danger. 

“I think more needs to be done to inform motorists on how best to protect themselves in these situations.” 

He revealed the reasons for vehicle breakdown had remained consistent as flat batteries were still the most common reason for car problems. 

Negligence such as leaving a car’s lights on and forgetting to turn off the radio can help drain the battery and cause a car to seize up. 

Tyres were also revealed to be a common car fault by the car recovery owner while diesel particulate filter problems have been regular over the past 12 years. 

How to avoid car breakdowns this winter? 

With road risk increasingly higher, the recovery expert revealed how motorists can avoid breaking down throughout the winter months. 

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Mr Kavanagh said vehicles must be regularly maintained to avoid unnecessary breakdowns.

Checking a car’s tyre pressures is vital while any strange noises or warning lights should be analysed as soon as possible.

Mr Kavanagh urged motorists to avoid cheap parts as these can create a higher risk of failures. 

Potholes and high kerbs should also be avoided by motorists while electrical devices should be removed when not in use. 

He says motorists should always try and find a reputable garage to conduct vehicle repairs. 


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