Breakdowns

Wherever large numbers of cars are gathered, there is a chance that a proportion of them will break down. Inevitably, some car-owners will leave radio or lights on so that they will not be able to start their vehicle when they attempt to go home.

If the breakdown happens on site it is unfortunate, but if a car overheats and breaks down on a major junction or in a narrow access lane they could create a catastrophic obstruction. You may be able to arrange for the motoring organisations, or local garage to be present at a really big event. They will be able to tow away breakdowns, or to assist with flat batteries etc. (They will of course make their own financial arrangements with any motorists they assist.) The local farmer could be approached to provide a tractor on site to tow broken down, or bogged vehicles to a safe area, where they can be attended to by breakdown mechanics.

Remember to ensure that any towing vehicle is suitable and that the driver is trained and insured. Drivers could take legal action if they claim that a tractor driver caused damage to their car when towing it!

Towing out of the mud

Larger events are often held in rural locations. Cars are therefore parked in fields and a little rain on wet grass can strand cars on even the gentlest slopes, particularly the drivers are unskilled or experienced. Depressions in fields can become flooded and the main track through a damp field can soon become a sea of mud.

During your reconnoitre you should be checking for these things and where possible, avoiding them. Ask the landowner what happens to the field if it rains. Given the choice, arrange to use flat, dry fields.

If there is a possibility of flooding and/or cars stuck in mud, make sure that you arrange for a suitable vehicle such as a tractor or Land Rover to be available to pull them out.

As with towing broken down vehicles, when towing out of the mud make sure that the towing vehicle supplied is suitable and insured and that the operator is qualified and insured. Towing can be a particulalry dangerous occupation, particularly when there are additional stresses and strains involved due to cars being stuck up to their axles in the mud, or pulling at a strange angle.

I suggest that you avoid organising recovery yourself; arrange for a local garage or motoring organisation to provide that service. If all else fails and you want to provide the service yourself, check with the experts and make absolutely sure that you understand your legal status and liability and be sure that you are covered for all liabilities by your insurance.

Jump starts

If a motorist reports a flat battery they may request a jump-start to get their car going again. To make life easier for you, and to promote your customer care image, make sure that battery boosting and jump-start facilities are available. Motoring organisations or the local garage can of course supply these.