Don’t let the needle into the red...
One consequence of high fuel prices is that motorists are more willing to allow their cars run close to empty, according to the AA. The number of drivers who called the AA rescue service because they ran out of fuel is up by nearly 17% this year.
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“Running out of petrol is not one of the most common kinds of breakdowns.” Says public affairs manager Conor Faughnan. “It generally only accounts for about 1% of our calls. It does happen, though, and the numbers are way up this year.”
Petrol and diesel prices rose to all-time record highs this summer. By August, retail prices were up by 15% on the start of the year.
“A lot of drivers tell us that they took a gamble and ran the needle into red because they had found that €20 or €30 doesn’t go as far as it used to – literally.” Says Faughnan. “While it’s tempting to push your luck, it truly is a false economy. The AA can always come and get you, but running out of fuel is a major inconvenience.”
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Motorists also reported that they took a chance on fuel because they couldn’t find a garage. A lot of service stations have disappeared out of city centres during the property boom years and this has lead to mini ‘petrol deserts’, especially in Dublin.
The new motorway network also brings problems of its own. Motorway service areas have still not been provided and there are long, long stretches where you cannot find fuel unless you leave the road and strike off across country.
“High prices and disappearing service stations are a bad combination that has lead many people to take a gamble.” Says Faughnan. “Our advice is to use good driving practice to maximise fuel efficiency and to buy fuel early rather than risk running out.