Ensure Vital Medication is Always Within Reach When Driving
A quarter of UK adults rely on prescription medication, making it crucial for drivers to carry their essential meds even on the shortest journeys, according to leading breakdown provider Start Rescue.
“We’ve observed an increase in vehicle breakdowns where drivers and passengers urgently need their daily medication but are without it,” says Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue. “It’s alarming how many people find themselves away from home, unprepared for the possibility of their return journey being delayed by a vehicle breakdown.”
With one in four UK adults regularly using prescription medication, the risk of being stranded without it during a breakdown is significant. Even a breakdown near home can leave a driver too far from their medication, especially if it must be taken at a specific time. The added stress of a vehicle malfunction can exacerbate health issues, which can be easily avoided with some simple planning.
Jasmine Shah, Head of Advice for the National Pharmacy Association, advises, “We encourage patients to keep their medication with them while travelling, no matter the distance. This includes bringing enough medication to cover the trip and any potential delays.”
Puffett emphasizes, “Regardless of how far you’re traveling, keep a small supply of in-date medication in a secure place within the vehicle, such as a locked glovebox, out of reach of children. If you’re going further afield, take a copy of your prescription in case you need more medication, especially with the summer holidays approaching.”
Always consult your doctor, GP, or pharmacist about traveling longer distances if you require regular medication. Remember to take regular driving breaks and in an emergency, call for an ambulance or dial NHS 111 for non-urgent assistance.
In urgent situations, quick response times are vital. According to the What Car? Survey of Best Breakdown Cover, Start Rescue ranked first for response time, with 77% of call-outs attended within 30 minutes to an hour, and no one waiting more than two hours.
Start Rescue also excelled in providing temporary repairs that allowed customers to continue their journeys.
With a 4.4-star rating on Trustpilot, a five-star Defaqto rating, and five consecutive years as a Which? Recommended Provider, Start Rescue stands out. They were also named the best Breakdown Cover provider in the Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards 2024, scoring 4.9 out of 5 for overall satisfaction and a 94% recommendation rate.
Since its launch in 2009, Start Rescue has become a vital part of Call Assist, the nation’s fourth-largest breakdown and recovery service, now serving over two million UK customers.
For more breakdown advice, visit startrescue.co.uk.
