Are you going away for the weekend or on holiday? Like millions of Britons driving is how we get to our holiday destination or to the airport before flying off abroad. Either way it's an essential part of travelling. It could also be the most dangerous. You need to be prepared and follow some simple advice to make sure you get to and from your holiday safely.
- Plan your route. Make sure you know where you are going, have maps ready if you need them - stop to look at them properly if you don't have someone to read them for you. Never try to read a map and drive at the same time. If you have a sat-nav system in your car do not be distracted by watching the screen rather than the road. Also, don't blindly follow the instructions given by the system as they may be inaccurate and could put you in a dangerous position.
- Do not use a mobile phone while driving. Research has shown that talking on a mobile phone can be more dangerous than driving while drunk.
- Don't be tempted to set off when you are tired. Falling asleep at the wheel causes up to 20 per cent of crashes on motorways and trunk roads and at least 10 per cent of all crashes.
- If you can, avoid journeys between midnight and 6am when your natural alertness is at its lowest.
- Plan breaks into your journey. This should be a minimum of 15 minutes after every two hours of driving.
- If you feel sleepy opening a window, having a cigarette or turning up the radio will not help. Stop the car in a safe place (not on the hard shoulder of a motorway) and take a short nap - no more than around 15 minutes.
- Don't be tempted to drive that little bit further if you are tired just because you are nearly there. You need to stop as soon as possible or you might not get there at all.
- Make sure your vehicle is serviced regularly and that it is safe to make the journey.
Everyone has a responsibility, to themselves and others, not to drive tired.
Have a safe journey.
Respect North Lincolnshire's roads
Respect your life
