Travel trips for holiday drivers | News & FAQs

STAYCATION holidaymakers planning to take their summer break in Britain are being warned to make sure their car is up for the job before setting off.

The Guild of Experienced Motorists has put together a checklist to help drivers have a trouble free journey.

GEM Chief Executive of GEM, David Williams, said: “More and more people are planning to take their summer break in the UK which means families are setting out on long journeys on unfamiliar roads in cars that have been heavily loaded.

“Many have treated car maintenance as a low priority in these difficult times and we tend to over-rely on the reliability of modern vehicles.

“It is extremely important that drivers realise the necessity to ensure their cars have been fully checked, as there is a real danger in breaking down on a strange road with all the family on board and a car full of luggage with children excited to get to the destination.”

GEM recommends the following:

• Always prepare your car before leaving on a long journey. Check tyres / brakes / windscreen wash / lights / oil / water levels prior to setting off.
• If towing a caravan, ensure you carry out suitable checks for its roadworthiness too.
• Keep an eye on your petrol levels, especially if driving in the countryside and you are unsure where the next filling station will be. Try to never let the gauge fall below one quarter.
• Make sure you have adequate car breakdown cover that will get you to your destination with minimal disruption in the unfortunate event of a breakdown – and make sure you have your emergency call out number with you.
• Plan your journey so you know where you are going, taking a map or GPRS system with you plus telephone number for your destination in case you do get lost or break down.

• If you do breakdown consider your own safety first – if possible get your vehicle off the road and ensure all passengers are safe.
• Place a warning triangle at a suitable distance prior to the scene and switch on your hazard lights.
• Make sure every passenger wears a reflective jacket or tabard.
• If you breakdown on a motorway switch on your hazard lights and pull onto the hard shoulder as far as possible and turn your wheels away from the road – do not use a warning triangle.
• You must leave the vehicle from the left hand doors and keep well away from the carriageway.

Words: Chris Russon