Motorists Urged to Be Prepared for the Summer Holiday Getaway
With the summer holidays just a few days away, drivers are being urged to prepare for extremely busy roads in the coming weeks, as the RAC predicts more than 14m trips are planned this weekend with schools closing for the summer at the end of the week.
And with budgets squeezed in the first half of the year, because of the Middle East crisis, it’s estimated that more U.K. holidays have been booked. The RAC has forecast its second highest number of planned road trips since their records began in 2016. Only post-pandemic holidays permitted in 2022 after the country emerged from a lockdown reached 18 million trips as airlines slowly recovered their businesses.
Traffic
With the ‘Saturday summer scramble’ starting this weekend, 3.4 million cars are expected to hit the roads each day from Friday through to Sunday, peaking at 3.8 million on Saturday, and up to an additional 6.8m trips spread across Friday (17th) and Sunday (19th), as drivers are unsure exactly which day they’ll make their getaways.
But with an expected rise in traffic this weekend, some will start to make their way now, meaning the roads are predicted to be much busier this week that during periods outside the summer holidays.
Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, as well as the Northwest of England, gets the highest number of holidaymakers.
Motorists need to be prepared for delays on their journeys, and those who drive electric cars can take advantage of the heatwave, following advice published by DNAG.
Vehicle Maintenance and Checks
With no end to the heatwave in sight just yet, motorists are being urged to check their vehicles ensuring tyres are inflated correctly (according to the additional weight in the vehicle), lights work as they should and fluid levels (oil, coolant and washer fluid) are at the correct levels. And cars shuold be packed with care ensuring there is no risk of heavy, or sharp objects falling on passengers, but also that the view for the driver is not obstructed.
If the car is too small to accommodate luggage, consider a roof box for extended storage. It will cause more drag and consume more fuel, so that needs to be factored into budgets.
Cars should be properly checked and maintained before a long trip, but in the event of a breakdown, cover - such as ALA Breakdown Cover - is an absolute must-have to ensure there are no unexpected, and large towing bills.
Comprehensive breakdown cover can even provide for overnight accomodation or support for onward travel, and using promo code JIM10 will save customers 10% on ALA insurance products. Click on the link above.
It’s always advisable to take water, food and supplies, including sun blocker and an umbrella for shade, in the event of long delays at the roadside. Packing a phone charger and a portable battery pack will ensure calls to the emergency services and breakdown insurers, such as to ALA Breakdown, can be made if the 12v battery dies.
Travelling with Pets
If you’re travelling with pets, it’s vital they stay hydrated, cool, and are given a comfort break and exercise.
Coolie-coats - such as the one in the picture - help cool a dog on a hot day.
Importantly, never leave a dog, child, or elderly relative in the car even for a few minutes. Cars heat up to over 60-degrees centigrade in a matter of minutes under direct sunlight, and cracking the window open has no positive impact.
If travelling to the continent by car, the Port of Dover advises “anyone departing by ferry not to arrive any earlier than two hours before their sailing, and to always stick to main routes when travelling to the port to avoid congestion on other local roads”.
However, expect the unexpected as huge delays have been observed in the past, making sure there’s enough drink, food and entertainment, as well as carrying amenities to stay cool and protected from the sun.
Route Planning
Using navigation with real-time traffic information can save a lot of time by avoiding delays. Although not perfect, apps such as Google Maps and Waze offer redirections when traffic builds up ahead.
Above all, don’t be in a rush to get to the destination. Plan plenty of breaks and enjoy them, but keep well hydrated which is especially important during a heatwave, particularly if long distances are going to be covered. Make sure the doggies get their comfort breaks, too.
Driver Advice
Driver fatigue can add to the risk of mistakes leading to accidents especially in hot conditions. Make sure the driver is well hydrated, too, as slight dehydration can cause lapses in concentration.
Some sound advice from GEM recommends the following:
Check your vehicle before setting off, including tyre condition, coolant level and windscreen washer fluid.
Carry plenty of drinking water for everyone in the vehicle, including pets where appropriate. Plan longer journeys so you can take regular breaks in the shade or somewhere cool.
Use air conditioning sensibly, or keep the cabin well ventilated, so you stay alert and comfortable.
Never leave children, older passengers or pets alone in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Travel at cooler times of day where possible, and avoid setting out if you already feel tired or unwell.
If anyone in the car shows signs of heat exhaustion or distress, stop somewhere safe as soon as possible and get help if needed.
Wishing everyone happy and safe travels and an enjoyable, restful holiday.
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About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more. You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb
