Tips on how to be staycation ready
Since the break-up of schools in England and Wales last week UK roads have seen unprecedented levels of traffic.
The last thing anyone wants while they’re away on a well-earned break this summer is being stuck in bumper-to-bumper queues of traffic or risk a breakdown on what is believed to be one of the busiest summers on the roads in years.
According to the RAC, 29 million of us have planned staycations with 16 million of these in the school holidays alone and RAC figures indicate the West Country – Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset – will receive the largest numbers of holidaymakers (30%), followed by Scotland (14%), Yorkshire (8%), the Lake District (6%) and East Anglia (6%).
Research also suggests a possible prolonged summer season this year, with no huge drop in school summer holidays and a third of drivers saying they’re planning to take a UK staycation in September.
So, what can we do to minimise the risk of problems travelling on the roads this summer?
Avoid peak times and plan your route carefully
Plan to travel outside of peak times, which means hitting the road before 11am and after 7pm.
Try and avoid major junctions where motorways cross or those normally busy hotspots that are certain to be even busier with holiday traffic and do take lots of breaks.
Check your vehicle before setting off
The last thing anyone wants is a breakdown on their journey so here are some tips from the RAC on how to make sure your vehicle is ‘road ready’:
- Keep an eye on your fuel or charge (electric car) – make sure you have more than enough for your trip, bearing in mind you could hit slow-moving traffic.
- Check your oil – ensure your oil is at the correct level
- Tyres – your tyres should have plenty of tread, be free of any damage and be inflated correctly. The correct PSI levels for your vehicle should be on the inside of the doorframe or in your owner’s manual but remember you will need to increase tyre pressure if you’re carrying heavy loads such as a car full of luggage or people.
- Spare tyre – check you’re carrying a roadworthy spare tyre or if your vehicle doesn’t have a spare wheel, it should have a tyre repair kit.
- Coolant – an engine running for longer has a much greater chance of overheating if the coolant is low or leaking.
- Lights and wipers – check your bulbs are all working, and your wipers are able to clear the windscreen properly.
- Screenwash – keep your screen wash bottle topped up to help ensure a clear view of the road.
Some important pre-journey checks from the RAC
Some essentials to have in the car
- A first aid kit
- A warning triangle
- A high visibility vest/jacket
- A fire extinguisher
- An empty fuel can
- Additional engine oil and water (for topping up)
- A light bulb kit
- A fully charged mobile phone and ideally an in-car mobile phone charger
- Take plenty of water and refreshments and take regular breaks
- Take sun cream in case you breakdown
- If you have children, take some games you can play in the car during the journey
Rising temperatures and busy summer traffic jams are the perfect recipe for increased stress levels when driving so if you want to arrive at your destination relatively stress-free then make sure to plan your route in advance, be careful to avoid busy driving times and roads if you can help it and ensure you take regular driving breaks.
Happy staycation!
Melina - Assistant Editor
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