Cost-of-living crisis ‘could be compromising’ road safety

Nearly two-thirds of drivers are worried about being able to afford timely repairs to their vehicles, a new survey has found, raising concerns about road safety. The survey, carried out by Brake and AXA UK, questioned drivers on the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

Some 62% of respondents said they were worried about affording vehicle repairs – a figure which rises to 84% among 17-24-year-olds.

Brake and AXA UK says the survey highlights the tough decisions that people are facing every day when getting into their vehicles. Of the 2,000 people surveyed, 10% said they had driven or ridden their vehicles while there were warning lights on the dashboard, with a similar number (10%) also saying they had driven or ridden with a broken light in the dark.

Lucy Straker, campaigns manager at Brake, said: “It is clear to us that the cost-of-living crisis is having a detrimental effect on the safety of people on our roads. “And as the cost-of-living crisis will not be resolved in the short term, it is essential that measures are put in place to protect everyone using the roads.