Proactive road safety for your next adventure

Did someone say road trip? If you’re heading to the coast, you won’t be the only one. In 2024, Brits took a collective of 90 million(!) trips across England, showing that the humble staycation is still popular. You could explore the scenic countryside too – there’s nothing quite like hitting the open road. It’s essential to think about road safety among all this excitement though. Planning your journey means that your trip remains enjoyable and, more importantly, safe.

Stay alert and avoid distractions
One of the biggest threats to road safety is distraction. Whether it’s fiddling with your music, using your phone, or even chatting with passengers, distractions increase the chances of something going wrong. Always keep your attention on the road.

A simple trick is to set up your navigation and music before you get on the move. If you’re planning a longer journey, it might be worth putting your phone in ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode too. Small actions like this will help you stay focused and keep your mind sharp.

Maintain safe distances
We’ve all been there: driving a little too close to the car ahead, especially when we’re the ones in a bit of a rush. It’s important to always maintain a safe distance though. It provides you with more time to react if anything changes, preventing serious accidents on the road.

The general rule? Leave at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front. On wet or slippery roads, increase that gap to at least four seconds.

Regular vehicle checks
Before you set off, give your car a quick once-over to make sure everything is in good working order. Tyres, check. Are lights and indicators all working? Fantastic. Is your car insurance up to date? Yes! You’ll have absolute peace of mind having the right car insurance – it gives you confidence out there when you know you’re ready for whatever may come your way.

Having a well-maintained vehicle means you’re not faced with unnecessary delays or hazards. You’ll save time and money, plus avoid more serious issues later on too.

Taking breaks on long journeys
While it might feel tempting to power through long distances in one go, taking regular breaks is crucial to stay focused and avoid fatigue. Aim to stop every two hours to stretch your legs, grab a drink, and get some fresh air. You may not realise it, but drowsiness can creep up on you without warning.

Stopping also gives you a chance to check in on your vehicle, even topping up your windscreen fluid or refuelling.

Be weather-wise
British summer weather can be unpredictable, and conditions can change rapidly, so always check the forecast before you travel. If rain or storms are expected, plan your journey accordingly. If you’re driving in high heat, remember that this can affect your car’s performance too. Always keep a bottle of water within reaching distance to stay hydrated.

Knowing what to expect helps you adjust your driving. Slow down in wet conditions, keeping a close eye out for puddles or flooding. Always keep a greater distance between you and other vehicles too. A little extra care will make a big difference in ensuring your road trip is safe and smooth, no matter what the weather has in store.

Photo by Denys Nevozhai on Unsplash

The article Proactive road safety for your next adventure first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.