Safety tips for holiday trips

Research has shown that poor vehicle maintenance and fatigued drivers are two key causes of tragic road accidents, with fatigue responsible for 30% of fatal crashes and 15% of all serious injury crashes.

Yet a great many people still rush off straight from work to their holiday destination, tired and having not pre-checked their vehicles adequately.

"A safe, relaxed journey begins by having all vehicles - car, caravan or trailer - checked and well maintained before you set off," says Goodyear Product Manager Robert Harris. "No one wants to have their trip interrupted by a break-down. Many of the problems, however, can be prevented by regular maintenance and care. An extra check-up of your vehicle before departure can save you a lot of hassle and help you get to your destination smoothly and safely."

Extra challenges

Driving during the festive season brings extra challenges such as high volumes of traffic, long distances, the combination of day- and night time driving through towns and on faster moving motorways, unfamiliar roads and a family impatient to get to their destination.

Night time driving might mean less traffic on the road but it takes its toll and the downside of fatigue and strained eyes are often underestimated.

About 40% of accidents occur at night, so make sure your car is prepared by carrying out the following safety checks: make sure your headlights, tail lights, signal lights and windows are clean and make sure your headlights are set properly so they illuminate the road properly and don't blind other drivers.

Plan ahead!

It's also essential to reduce your speed at night and to increase your following distance because it is more difficult to judge other vehicles' speed and distance at night.

Planning the journey ahead - including rest and stop-over points - helps break the journey down into realistic, manageable stretches and reduces stress, fatigue and impatience.

Here are some good tips for safe road trips:

• Begin your journey well rested so have a good night's sleep before you set off;
  
• Respect your biorhythm. Depart at a time when your body is used to being awake and active;
  
• Don't drink any alcohol before departure or during your trip;
  
• Avoid any medication that may make you drowsy;
  
• Avoid peak departure times;
  
• Take regular breaks. Rest immediately when you feel signs of fatigue. Go for a short walks during stops.

Avoid heat build-up in the car so let the windows down and turn the aircon down at regular intervals. Research has shown that high temperatures could have the same effect as high blood alcohol levels.

Stick to the speed limits and if you are travelling with children in the car take enough books and games to keep them entertained.

Make the journey part of the holiday fun so do some research about the towns and areas that you will be travelling through to make the trip more stimulating.

Finally, treat every other road user with respect - and don't take chances.

Happy holidays and enjoy the trip!