FLEET drivers are missing appointments and losing potential business through breakdowns just by being forgetful, says the AA. In a survey of the top 10 faults which caused a breakdown in the past half-year, the most frequent problem attended by patrols were batteries discharged by driver error.

Manufacturers are trying to combat the problem, with vehicle's such as the Ford Focus offering automatic timers which turn lights off after set time limits, but AA research says the end is not yet in sight, with 10.6% of breakdowns caused through flat batteries, discharged due to driver error. Locking keys inside the car and running out of fuel contributed to more 'own goals', raising the total of breakdowns caused by drivers to about 15%.

An AA spokesman said: 'There is obviously a need for drivers to be encouraged to take more care when leaving their vehicles.'