Driving Home for Christmas?

Most of us will travel at some stage over next week. Sharing the road with what can feel like the entire population can be stressful.

image courtesy of IAM Roadsmart

This week’s tips from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards, Richard Gladman, give advice on driving home for Christmas…

• Try and avoid setting off at peak times which includes early afternoon on Christmas Eve as this is when many motorists will start their journey. With Christmas falling on a Monday this year, you might be able to travel on a different day. Don’t forget to check for weather or traffic-related updates so you can allow more time to travel.
• If you’re travelling a long distance then take into consideration that the weather in one region may not be the same as another. So plan for the whole length of your journey and take note of what the weather is like closer to your destination.
• Before you set off, make sure your friends and family know where you are going and your expected time of arrival. Try to be as realistic as possible so they are not worrying about you if you get a little late, and always ensure you have enough fuel as some garages can close early.
• Packing the car can leave you fraught. Make a check list of everything you need and try to ensure there are no loose parcels that could turn into missiles in the event of having to brake in an emergency.
• Family pets pick up on the excitement of Christmas; remember they need seatbelts or a method of restraint too. Keep them away from where you pack the chocolate and mince pies as both are really bad for dogs and you don’t want to start Christmas with a large vet bill.
• Make sure you take regular rest breaks but avoid leaving valuable gifts on show by locking them away out of sight in the boot.
• If you’re too tired to drive then delay your journey. And if you begin to feel tired on your journey, then take a rest break. A coffee and a 20 minute stop are the bare minimum to help you stay alert. In any case, your journey should be planned with breaks every 2 hours. 

Richard said: “Careful planning and preparation can ensure your Christmas drive home is a safe and smooth one. So long as you give yourself extra time at this busy time of year, your journey home doesn’t need to be as arduous.

“We all look forward to spending the festive season with loved ones so let’s all do our bit to make it a safe one for the road. From all here at IAM RoadSmart, here’s wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

Everyone at the Good Garage Scheme sends the same wishes and thanks IAM Roadsmart for this useful advice. Don't forget to download the GoodGarageScheme App before you set off on your Christmas journey so that you can always find a garage you can trust.

Tips for Driving with Children This Summer

School holidays are here and there may be many trips this summer with children in the car.

Peter Rodger, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM's) head of driving standards reminds us this week that no matter how difficult it sounds, the driver's duty is to the road and road users first - the children second.
He says, "Any problem the children have can be dealt with when the car is stationary, and should never be dealt with on the move. Easier said than done, but it is the only way."

Here are some helpful tips from the IAM:

Seatbelts on! 

If you’re travelling with children under the age of three years you must use a child restraint. Children three years and above must be placed in a booster seat, safely secured with a seatbelt. Make sure you make the appropriate adjustments before you start your journey. If you’re using a child restraint,check whether it needs to be front-facing or rear-facing beforehand.

Everyone comfy?

Avoid placing large and heavy objects or luggage on the rear seat where your children will be seated.

Be prepared

Make sure you have packed important items for your journey including a fully charged mobile phone, first aid kit, water, blanket and high-visibility jackets – you may need these items if you’re vehicle breaks down and you are waiting for help to arrive.

Fun and games

Think about what games your children can take with them on long journeys to keep them occupied. If they will be using a portable device or in-car DVD player, make sure they have headphones plugged in so the sound doesn’t distract you.

Take a break

The longer you’re on the road, the higher the likelihood your children could become irritable. Plan to take regular rest breaks at least every two hours so you can rest and they can release some energy.

Travel with a friend

If you can, travel with another adult passenger who can keep an eye on the youngsters. This will allow you to fully concentrate on the road and prevent them distracting you.

'Have a word' when safe

Never turn around to deal with fighting youngsters while you are driving. Always find a safe place to stop first. Don’t continue your journey with children fighting in the back – it may affect your behaviour behind the wheel.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to wish everyone a happy and safe summer holiday.

Make sure to visit your local Good Garage Scheme member to check your vehicle is ready for the road.