MOTORISTS are putting themselves in danger of running out of fuel by driving on a nearly empty tank.
A new survey has shown that with fuel prices rising 27% since the financial crisis began in 2008, motorists are regularly driving with the petrol light flashing.
The new research, from Green Flag insurance, shows that one in eight motorists have driven on empty in the last three months.
In the past year, 1.4 million motorists have completely run out of fuel while on the road while 4.6 million (13%) have driven on an empty tank.
The group most likely to drive on empty are aged between 18-34, with one-quarter having done so in the last three months alone. In Scotland, 11% of drivers have admitted to the practice, compared to 18% in Wales and the north-east of England.
Miranda Schunke, a spokesperson for Green Flag breakdown service, said: "Rising fuel prices and the general costs of living are contributing to motorists understandably changing their driving habits, but we urge everyone to think about their petrol consumption for their own safety and other road users."
Another survey, by Post Office Car Insurance, found rising costs are causing almost half of drivers to make fewer journeys, with as many as 46% cutting back, while 31% have reduced their fuel spending and 27% plan to drive slower to conserve fuel.
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