FLEETS can protect their employees’ personal safety by giving advice on what to do if they break down.

Figures from AA Business Services suggest that a quarter of all breakdowns take place in inner-city areas, with 27% of incidents happening at night.

Roger Williams, head of fleets and leasing at AA Business Services, said: ‘With the increase in certain types of vehicle crime, it could potentially be much more dangerous to break down in an inner-city area, particularly alone in the dark.

‘While the risks of driving alone or breaking down in an inner city can often be exaggerated, by simply being sensible about your personal safety and that of your employees, then any danger if they should break down will be minimal.’

AA advice

Checklist for your drivers if their cars break down in an inner-city area:

Ensure mobile phone is fully charged

Stop somewhere well-lit

Switch on the hazard warning lights

Do not wander down unfamiliar back streets

Lock the car doors and hide valuable items away

If someone tries to break into the car, sound the horn
Source: AA Business Services