5 tips for a safer, happier family drive this Easter
TRAVELLING by car over the Easter break can be a challenge.
As Brits across the nation hit the road to enjoy the school holiday, traffic can reach a peak – and so can frustration.
Although you can’t control potential jams, planning your route and choosing the best time to travel, as well as getting your car and the kids prepared beforehand, can help smooth out bumps along the way.
Run through the checklist below to help reduce last-minute mayhem, costly breakdowns and tears on long journeys.
Follow National Highways’ T.R.I.P. tips for hassle-free motoring.
Safe T.R.I.P. Checks
The most essential hack for a smooth ride is to make sure your car is ready for the road before leaving your driveway.
Taking a bit of time in the days leading up to your journey can potentially save hours of hassle and significant costs if your vehicle were to break down.
The checks every driver needs to perform are easy to remember with T.R.I.P.:
- TOP UP your fuel or battery charge, oil and screen wash
- REST with planned stops every two hours for at least 15 minutes
- INSPECT tyre pressure and tread before setting out, to make sure you can drive safely. See how
- PREPARE for all weather conditions
Running out of fuel and tyre issues are among the top causes of breakdowns and incidents on roads.
Taking the right precautions will help you get to your Easter break safely and on time – and the good news is that they only take a few minutes to complete.
For help with performing Safe T.R.I.P. Checks, head to the National Highways website for everything you need to get them right, including some handy how-to videos.
Care necessities
After ticking off your Safe T.R.I.P. Checks list, it’s time to make sure you have all your travel essentials to hand.
It might feel like you’re packing for a week on safari, but being prepared for any eventuality means you can enjoy your journey with less stress.
As well as the kids’ snacks and activities, keep coats handy even if the weather looks fine.
Other helpful kit includes travel pillows and blankets, a travel potty for little ones and a first aid kit.
Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must because car windows don’t fully protect us from UV rays and there may be glare from the sun.
If you’re travelling with more than one child, headphones can be a godsend, while a power bank will make sure they don’t run out of juice.
Finally, to keep things clean and tidy, think about packing a seat organiser, a carrier bag for rubbish, a change of clothes in case of accidents and a pack of wet wipes.
Break it up
Make sure the driver doesn’t get tired. As well as planned stops to give everyone the chance to stretch their legs, this means getting a good rest the night before.
When planning your journey, allow enough time for those breaks. Aim to stop every two hours for at least 15 minutes.
As a guide, a baby shouldn’t be in a car seat for longer than two hours at a stretch, while newborns and premature babies need a break every half hour.
Before heading out, try looking for rest spots on your route that will make the journey more interesting.
Twenty minutes at a farm shop, café or garden centre can be a great alternative to a service station.
Snack attack
There’s nothing worse than being stuck in bumper to bumper traffic with a gaggle of hungry kids on board. So make sure you have plenty of goodies to tide them over.
As well as treats, try to include some healthy choices so you don’t have to deal with a sugar crash.
Avoid grapes, which could be a choking hazard, and anything that could trigger car sickness such as greasy or rich foods and dairy products.
It’s important to bring plenty of water, especially on a warm day, so replenish those refillable bottles before hitting the road.
Play time
Entertainment and games on your journey will make getting there part of the fun.
Try trusted favourites like I-spy, 20 Questions or the Alphabet Game, listen to music or audiobooks, or download a film onto the kids’ devices before you leave home.
Sticker books or reusable window stickers are also a winner, while older children will enjoy car-friendly board and card games, like magnetic Ludo or Monopoly Deal.
Visit National Highways to learn more and get ready to
have a safe T.R.I.P.
