UK drivers are a nation of ‘Bad Samaritans’

Stranded motorists hoping to flag down a 'Good Samaritan' this winter could have a long wait as nine out of ten drivers will not pull over to help a fellow road user broken down at the roadside.

The new study issued today by Tesco Car Breakdown Cover does however reveal that most ‘Bad Samaritans’ drive on because of the best intentions. Over 40% say it's safer for professionals to deal with a breakdown and 15% are honest enough to confess they would probably do more harm than good.

Allan Burns, head of insurance at Tesco Personal Finance comments: "Though it can seem uncaring to carry on driving when you see someone in trouble, it is for the best. Motorists should always call their breakdown service provider rather than trying to flag down other drivers. Doing so could be hazardous to themselves and others".

Recent Department of Transport statistics would seem to support this view. In 2004, their statistics show over 180 people were killed or injured while stranded on the hardshoulder of motorways.

Women admitted to also having an added safety reason for keeping their foot on the accelerator – with one in three (35%) saying they would feel too vulnerable to stop and help.

Burns concludes: "Nobody wants to be left stranded at the roadside this winter. We would urge all motorists to make ensure their cars are properly prepared for winter journeys and that they have adequate breakdown cover should they need to be rescued."

Tesco offers drivers the following top ten winter travelling tips:

Get your battery checked
Check your tyre tread - the legal standard is 1.6mm, but better tread will result in better grip
Clean your lights - grime and dirt can prevent lights from giving full glow
Check that your brake and fog lights are working properly
Ensure that you have a scraper and de-icer in the car
Also keep some de-icer in your house in case the locks on your car are frozen
Do not put boiling water on the windscreen as it could crack
Allow longer journey times in case road conditions are bad
Carry a warm coat and gloves in the boot of your car
Ensure you have adequate breakdown cover