A guide to a stress-free holiday drive
NEXT Friday is the start of the bank-holiday weekend and thousands of us will hit the road, either to spend the time with family in our birthplaces, or just to enjoy a change of scenery. The UK has its bank holiday this weekend, and a survey conducted there by Halfords has revealed that 25 per cent of drivers won’t check their cars before they travel, 64 per cent don’t know how to change a headlight bulb, and 25 per cent won’t even bother to check their oil levels. Among drivers under 34, 51 per cent will continue to drive their cars even if they know there’s a fault, while 35 per cent are unaware that the front and rear tyres should be pumped to different pressures.
Halfords also offers useful tips for maximising the enjoyment. For starters, set off at an unusual hour – 63 per cent of motorists said that delays were the No.1 reason for stressful journeys. Leave early, or wait until the post-work rush has subsided, and check traffic apps such as AA Roadwatch for traffic blackspots and accidents.
Don’t rely solely on your satnav. It always helps to look at a physical map too. That way, you easily can plan diversions if the route is clogged. If you have time, why not abandon the motorway and take the back roads? By definition, motorways usually are planned so as not to impact on the scenery, and that means the best views often are from secondary roads.
Keep the kids entertained. If you have a 4G Wi-Fi hub, bring it with you so they can use the internet or play games online, or download content to their phone or tablets from Netflix or Sky Q to keep them entertained. Never underestimate the enduring power of I-Spy either.
Don’t forget the upholstery cleaner. You know there’s going to be an accident with an ice cream, so be prepared!
Above all, though, no matter how tempting that beer garden overlooking the Atlantic might seem, never, ever drink and drive. Find somewhere to settle in for the night and then order a pint – and if you have a couple too many, keeping a breathalyser in your car will ensure you’re not over the limit when you wake up.
Bon voyage!