In a few days time our roads will become the busiest they’ve been all year, with holidaymakers heading for their year-end break destinations. Here are some tips to help you arrive safely.
- Get your car serviced: It’s worth making the effort to get your car checked out before you go. You’re more likely to have an event-free trip and the vehicle will respond more reliably in an emergency situation. Check windscreen wipers, tyres, oil and water. Also check that your spare tyre is in working order and that you have all the tools you need to change a tyre or at least pump one up enough to get you to the nearest garage. Pack jumper cables, a small tool box and a bottle of water.
- Plan your route: Ensure that you know where you’re going, particularly if it’s a first time visit. Check for road works on the route; alternative routes; places to stop for a rest every two hours; and how many toll collection points there are so that you have enough cash on you (or a card to swipe).
- Pack emergency supplies: When the roads get as busy as ours do over the summer holidays, you need to plan for delays or weather related conditions such as heavy rain that forces a stop. This is when you need a stash of emergency supplies such as cold drinks, snacks like small packets of nuts, wet wipes, a first aid kit, torch, light blankets, spare batteries or a solar charger for phones.
- Have a back-up plan: It’s worth joining an organisation such as the Automobile Association for long road trips. You can phone them for any emergency such as road side assistance if your car breaks down. You can also check on the condition of your route prior to leaving home, including expected weather along the way.
- Be sensible and keep calm: The sensible part includes checking that all is well before pulling out of the driveway are your lights and indicators working? Can you see all around you or is the luggage packed too high? Are your wing mirrors set correctly? Is everyone strapped in? The calm part refers to keeping your cool no matter what happens on the road. Yes, there are a lot of idiots out there but that’s no reason to act like one yourself! Proactive rather than reactive driving is more likely to get you to your destination safely.
Most importantly of all, don’t forget to have fun!
Contributor: The Trellidor Marketing Team
