| Planning a long journey? Then read our guide | | | | looking the other way in the front. If they |
| to staying safe whilst out on a road trip. | | | | find the belt rubs uncomfortably because of |
| | | | their height then buy and fit an adapter that |
| Check you car is roadworthy | | | | will make their ride more comfortable. |
| | | | Remember, drivers can be fined if anyone in |
| Before you start off on a long road journey | | | | their vehicle is not buckled up. |
| it is vital to check that your vehicle is in | | | | |
| good working order. Check that the lights, | | | | Leave enough space in front |
| indicators and windscreen wipers are all | | | | |
| working correctly. With the British weather | | | | When driving on the motorway always sure that |
| being as famously reliable as it is, you | | | | you leave the appropriate stopping distance. |
| never know what type of conditions you might | | | | This is one of the least obeyed of the |
| encounter. Likewise check the brakes, | | | | motorway rules, despite the fact that it is |
| steering, exhaust system and tyres carefully | | | | probably the most important. Even at just 45 |
| for faults. If you are unsure or concerned | | | | miles per hour it takes the average saloon 44 |
| about the road worthiness of your car, get an | | | | metres to stop. Remember also that these |
| expert in to have a look. You would always | | | | following distances must be increased at |
| get a doctor in if you weren't sure about the | | | | night, or in foggy or rainy conditions when |
| state of heart, so why do anything different | | | | the road is wet. |
| for your car. Both could be matters of life | | | | |
| and death. | | | | Take regular breaks |
| | | | |
| Plan your route | | | | Avoid fatigue and eye strain by making |
| | | | frequent rest stops. Research suggests that |
| If you are traveling an unfamiliar route then | | | | up to 350 people are killed every year in the |
| make sure you plan your journey - especially | | | | UK by sleep related accidents, so take a |
| if traveling with young children. What with | | | | break every two hours and never drive if you |
| internet maps and satellite navigation there | | | | are feeling unwell. If you have someone with |
| is no excuse for getting yourself lost, and | | | | you then alternate the driving duties with |
| websites such as the AA route planner can | | | | them, and never set out to drive too far in a |
| make getting from A-z a doddle. It is also | | | | single day. |
| sensible to use major routes and not back | | | | |
| roads - even if they cut traveling distance. | | | | Carry spare parts |
| | | | |
| Make sure everyone buckles up | | | | It could also be worth carrying a spare fan |
| | | | belt and radiator hose in the boot - even if |
| While driving, always wear your seatbelt. | | | | your car is new or has been given a clean |
| This sounds like obvious advice, but a recent | | | | bill of health. These items are inexpensive, |
| poll found that one in four adults failed to | | | | and will certainly save you time and money if |
| buckle up on every journey. If you are | | | | you do breakdown. Learn what they do, how |
| traveling with kids the make sure they always | | | | they can break, and how to replace them |
| have their belt on, as it can often be | | | | quickly. |
| tempting to undo it when mum and dad are | | | | |