M1 motorway motorist had to be towed to safety by PSNI after running out of fuel

Posting details of a recent incident on social media, officers pointed out that running out of fuel can be much more than just a silly mistake.

"The Highway Code tells us we should ensure we have sufficient fuel before beginning a journey. Failing to do so, especially when driving on a motorway, can leave drivers in a very dangerous situation,” a PSNI spokesperson said.

The police post shows assistance being given to the driver of a vehicle which had come to a halt in a particularly dangerous spot.

"This driver ran out of petrol just as she was joining M1 from the Black's Road onslip where there was no hard shoulder to stop on. Being stopped on a live lane of a motorway could've resulted in a serious collision.

"Fortunately we were able to tow her safely onto the hard shoulder where someone was able to bring enough fuel to get her off the motorway.”

Police said the driver was “suitably advised and sent safely on her way”.