This week sees the first motorway service station open in the country as AA Rescue reveals it has responded to 142 motorists who have run out of fuel on motorways so far this year. General AA call outs to the motorway network is up 55 percent on the same period last year, with 2,113 call outs.
The figure, which represents just under four callouts per week for empty fuel tanks, comes as the National Roads Authority announces its plans to erect signs to direct drivers off motorways to nearby service areas where they can refuel and use the facilities.
With an additional 188 kilometres being added to the motorway network this year it is not surprising that AA Rescue call outs to the motorway network is up 55 percent with those who have run out of fuel accounting for seven percent of the figure. AA Ireland is forecasting more of the same in the future as further inter-urban routes near completion.
"Whilst the opening of the service area on the M1 at Lusk this week and the scheduled openings at Castleblaney on the M1 and Enfield on the M4 are welcome, that is still only three service areas in the whole country and none at all between Dublin and Cork or Waterford." Says AA's Director of Policy, Conor Faughnan.
With driver fatigue among the main factors in single vehicle only collisions, CompleteCar.ie is reminding drivers to take breaks during long journeys and not to drive if tired where possible.