Nearly eight-in-ten (78%) drivers would unknowingly put themselves in danger after breaking down on the motorway and stopping on the hard shoulder, new RAC research suggests.

Only a fifth (22%) of the 1,900 drivers surveyed would do the right thing after breaking down on one of the UK’s fastest roads on a cold and wet winter’s night by standing to the rear of their vehicle and as far as possible from traffic, ideally behind a barrier if there was one.

The RAC adds that one-in-nine (11%) said they would stay in their vehicle, leaving them at great risk of being seriously injured or killed if another vehicle were to hit them.

Two-thirds (65%) would also unwittingly put themselves at risk by standing either in front of or next to their car, where they could be hit in the event of another driver colliding with their broken-down vehicle.

The RAC says analysis corresponds with reports from nearly 200 of its patrols, who found 78% of drivers they have attended who had broken down on motorways were still in their vehicles when they arrived.

In an effort to keep RAC members and all drivers safe after breaking down on a motorway, RAC patrols Glen Johnson and James Pallister came up with the idea of making a video highlighting exactly how people should get out of their vehicles and where they should stand. The film is shared with all RAC members who are unfortunate enough to break down on a motorway and is also available for everyone to benefit from on YouTube:

(Picture – RAC)