So many drivers take to the road every half-term, with the RAC suggesting there could be almost 20 million leisure trips taking place. Whether spring or autumn, there are so many fun attractions to visit throughout the UK but it’s important to stay safe – and legal – wherever you’re planning to visit.
There are a number of factors to consider before setting off on your half-term break. In this article, Tempcover will explain how to ensure your journey is safe and enjoyable.
Make sure your car insurance includes driving other cars
Many families head out on long road trips and you may be thinking of sharing the driving. If you’re doing this, you need to make sure that every person who gets behind the wheel is insured.
While the Driving Other Cars clause used to be common in most annual policies, it now only features in a limited amount, meaning some people may be driving illegally without knowing. Saying ‘I didn’t realise I wasn’t insured’ will not get you out of the possible penalties if you are pulled over by the police. These could include:
- A fixed penalty of £300
- 6 penalty points
If the case goes to court, you could get:
- An unlimited fine
- Disqualification from driving
The government website also states that police have the power to seize, and in some cases, destroy the vehicle that’s being driven uninsured.
One way of ensuring that everyone who drives the car is covered is to get temporary car insurance. Tempcover’s fully comprehensive policies last from 1 hour to 28 days and won’t affect any existing no claims discounts, meaning you can share the driving on that long journey with peace of mind.
Now, we’ll look at other ways you can make your half-term driving more enjoyable…
Plan your route before starting a long journey
A journey by road from Land’s End to John O’Groats is around 837 miles and would take 14 and a half hours to complete by car – without any stops. Even though Great Britain is a small nation, there is still so much to explore – and it can take some time to get where you need to go.
As well as ensuring everyone driving is legally insured, you’ll want to make sure everyone (drivers and passengers) is as comfortable as possible in the vehicle as you set off.
Planning and preparation is key. Make a note of when you want to set off and highlight some convenient places of interest to stop off and visit or service stations for a comfort break. Bear in mind your journey could be disrupted by traffic, roadworks or road closures and use GPS or an old-fashioned map to determine a preferred and alternative route.
Prepare your car for the long drive
There are a number of checks you should make to your car before heading off on a long journey. Doing the following will help ensure your car is safe to drive this half-term:
Check tyre pressure tread – Driving with tyre treads below the legal limit can result in 3 penalty points on your licence and a £2,500 fine per tyre. Try to change yours when it’s down to 3mm before heading off on your trip.
Check your oil levels – Oil lubricates, cleans, cools and protects the moving parts of your car. If your oil level drops too low, your engine could seize up, causing long-term damage and increasing your maintenance costs. Make sure it’s topped up before you start the long drive.
Check your lights – It’s important to have full visibility whenever you’re driving on a public road. When it’s dark, you need to be able to see what’s on the road and other drivers need to see you. Have a check of your lights before you go and change them if needed
Pack an emergency kit – Pack some essential items just in case the worst happens and you do break down while en route. Ensure you have warm clothes, a torch, snacks and a drink to keep everyone comfortable while you await recovery or rescue.
Prepare to drive in different weather conditions
One aspect none of us can escape when it comes to travelling during half-term is the unpredictability of the Great British weather. Maybe there will be some unseasonal sun but it’s more likely there will be torrential downpours!
Prepare for any kind of weather by keeping an eye on the forecast and then driving accordingly. If there is rain that’s affecting your visibility and the road surface, make sure you take it easy and slower. Your holiday destination will not be moving anywhere!
Top tips for driving with kids
Road trips can be fun, but they can also be stressful – especially if you have children in tow. There are only so many games of I Spy that will keep them entertained. Maybe you could supply them with books, games or even a tablet downloaded with their favourite shows. You could also compile a playlist with some of their favourite songs.
As well as the aforementioned I Spy, you could ask children to count the number of differently coloured cars on the road, make up names based on the number plate of the car in front or even 20 Questions.
Factoring in fun breaks can also help make the journey easier for everyone involved. Maybe there’s a park or attraction you’ve spotted that will appeal to them. Hop off and break up your journey while also making some memories.
What should I pack for half-term?
We all know how it is when it comes to packing. There’s such a fine line between taking too much and accidentally leaving something very important at home. Having said this, when packing for a weekend or week away over half-term it’s important that you don’t overload the car. Packing as light as you can is key. You’ll want to distribute the weight evenly and make sure all loose items are secured. Also, make sure your belongings are not blocking the visibility through your back windscreen. You need to see what’s going on on the road!
What you take will depend on the type of trip you’re going on, but you should ensure you’re covered for all conditions – even if this can be hard when trying to cut down on the number of items you’re taking along. You also need to take into consideration other items you may be taking with you like chairs, toys and accessories.
What can you do to help prevent tiredness on a long journey?
There’s no getting around the fact that long journeys can be stressful, especially when you have some excited and exhausted kids in tow. Does driving make you tired? Yes, it does. Being sat in the same position and having to concentrate on the road for potentially hours on end is bound to have an effect on you, but there are ways to help improve your concentration and reduce fatigue.
The main way to stay awake and alert is to have regular breaks. The government recommends taking a break every couple of hours while driving and this will give you the chance to:
- Get some fresh air
- Stretch your legs
- Have something to eat and drink
- Pop to the loo
There are countless service stations across the UK to stop at if driving on the motorway or why not treat yourself to a nice meal at a rural pub if heading off the beaten track?
By having regular stops and driving sensibly, you can start (and finish) your half-term in a safe and enjoyable way. It’s your holiday so take as much stress out of the time as possible.
