High fuel prices have lead to a sharp rise in the number of motorists driving on empty and running out of fuel before they make it to a service station, according to a survey commissioned by roadside rescue organisation Green Flag.

 

The survey revealed a 40% increase in fuel-related call-outs in the second half of January, which coincided with fuel price rises when fuel reached a record average of £127.87ppl. Nearly half the British drivers surveyed had been dangerously close to empty or had broken down before reaching the pump at some point in their lifetime. Of that figure, 37% of incidents occurred in the previous three months. In the same time period, more than 30% had reduced time spent on the road in a bid to offset rising prices. Men were marginally worse with 49% admitting to driving on empty or running dry at some point in their lifetime, compared to 45% of women.