How phone apps can aid road safety

Date: 12/8/2011

Motorists planning a long journey may wish to download a location-aware app from their breakdown recovery service provider before setting off.

According to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), some of these firms have created apps that use a vehicle's global positioning system in order to locate it in the event of a callout.

This enables engineers to pinpoint a car's exact coordinates, which could mean drivers experience shorter waiting times for assistance.

Other advice the IAM offers motorists planning to take a long road trip is to pack a reflective jacket, extra clothing that is both waterproof and warm, and a torch - all of which can be useful in the event that a breakdown leaves them spending a prolonged period at the side of the road.

Should an incident occur on a motorway, the organisation advises drivers to coast towards the nearest emergency telephone.

If calling for help on a mobile, people will need to give the number listed on the closest marker post to them.

To reduce the likelihood of trouble, there are checks that owners can carry out on their vehicles before setting off.

Waynne Smith, Senior Partner at TorqueCars.com, recently suggested checking brake fluid once a year and tyre quality and pressure ahead of every long trip.

Posted by Sarah Bailey