Drivers across the country are being urged to rethink how they plan their journeys.

National Highways is rolling out the latest phase of its TRIP campaign amid fresh evidence that vehicle breakdowns in the UK are rising and increasingly linked to preventable causes.

As well as inconveniencing the driver and their passengers, breakdowns increase road safety risks, increase congestion, and raise environmental concerns, but many breakdowns can be easily avoided.

 

 

Preparation is key

The TRIP initiative, “Top-up, Rest, Inspect, Prepare”, encourages motorists to carry out basic checks and plan before travelling.

While the message is simple, new data suggests the need is growing, with breakdowns placing mounting pressure on both drivers and the road network.

Recent figures highlight a clear upward trend.

In 2024 alone, there were nearly 283,000 breakdowns recorded on England’s motorway network—a sharp increase of around 60% compared with 2020 levels.

Analysts point to heavier traffic, an ageing vehicle fleet, and worsening road conditions as key factors behind the rise.

Short-term spikes are also becoming more pronounced.

One study found that breakdowns rose by more than 11% over a single winter period, underscoring how seasonal pressures, particularly cold weather, continue to catch drivers off guard.

Meanwhile, long-term demand for roadside assistance is expected to keep growing, reflecting the sustained increase in incidents.

A hole in the planning

Among the most common causes, mechanical and electrical faults dominate.

Flat or faulty batteries remain the leading reason for breakdowns, particularly during colder months when engines and electrical systems are under greater strain.

Other frequent issues include engine faults, loss of power, and driver error, such as running out of fuel or ignoring warning signs.

However, one of the fastest-growing contributors is the condition of the roads themselves.

Data from the RAC shows pothole-related breakdowns rose by around 15% in 2025, with patrols attending more than 26,000 incidents involving damaged suspension, wheels, or shock absorbers.

That equates to roughly 71 breakdowns every day caused by poor road surfaces alone.

Over 12 months, drivers were affected by potholes on more than 25,000 occasions, an 11% increase on the previous year, suggesting a worsening trend.

Experts say deteriorating road infrastructure is now a major factor behind avoidable breakdowns, alongside vehicle maintenance issues.

Breakdown services further illustrate the scale of the problem.

The AA alone attended nearly 2.9 million incidents in a single year, with winter months consistently seeing the highest demand.

With more than 42 million vehicles now on UK roads, even small increases in failure rates can translate into significant disruption.

Habitual self-help

Safety experts warn that many of these incidents could be prevented with better preparation, which is what the TRIP campaign is all about.

Checking battery health, tyre condition, and fluid levels before setting off can dramatically reduce the likelihood of a breakdown.

Planning routes and allowing time for rest stops can also help avoid driver fatigue and last-minute decision-making, both of which contribute to roadside incidents.

National Highways says the campaign is designed to address exactly these risks.

By encouraging drivers to adopt simple habits, officials hope to reduce unnecessary breakdowns, ease congestion, and improve safety.

As traffic volumes continue to climb and infrastructure challenges persist, the message behind TRIP is becoming increasingly urgent: many breakdowns are not inevitable—but preventable.