Drivers warned flat batteries 'are more common' at this time of year

Date: 1/11/2010

Motorists have been urged to ensure their lights are switched off when they leave their cars in order to prevent a flat battery.

Green Flag warned exhausted batteries are particularly common at this time of year, following the end of British Summertime.

Dan Robinson, Head of the breakdown cover provider, said: "As the nights get darker, the number of flat batteries significantly increases."

"A major reason for this is the likelihood of drivers leaving their lights on", he explained, in addition to the more prevalent use of heaters, windscreen wipers and fog lights.

Green Flag's tips for motorists during the colder months include putting a coat and blanket inside one's car in case it breaks down, keeping the windscreen clear to avoid headlight glare from other vehicles and checking the tread of tyres.

Furthermore, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recently urged drivers to look out for pedestrians and cyclists in the dark now the clocks have turned back.

Posted by Sarah Bailey