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