Staying Safe On The Roads This Christmas
As we head into the festive period, there is some good news for motorists…
National Highways are removing 95% of roadworks on motorways and A-roads to alleviate traffic during the busy festive period.
From Friday 20th December until Thursday 2nd January, more than 1,100 miles of roadworks will be removed, including on the M25, M1, M6, M4 and various roads which drivers will be all too familiar with.
With traffic levels set to increase as people make journeys home and to family over Christmas and New Year, road safety is more important than ever.
Particularly with the potential for low temperatures and hazardous road conditions.
How To Stay Safe On The Roads At Christmas
As the days get shorter and we’re driving on the road when it’s dark much more often, it’s important to remember that road safety is of paramount importance.
With the cold weather comes additional safety concerns as ice, snow, and frost cause issues with the roads and your vehicles.
Wintry conditions can be treacherous and being prepared is crucial - Snow and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, which means it’s essential that you take extra care when driving.
And if you’re travelling to see family, working, or on the roads for any reason over the next week or two, make sure you’re prepared and ensure you take pay proper care and attention to the weather conditions and the traffic.
Almost 30 million journeys are expected to be taken by drivers before Christmas, the highest level in more than a decade. And around half of those are expected to be taken on the weekend of 21st – 22nd December, given that Christmas is in midweek, leading to additional congestion over a longer period.
Ensuring your vehicle is in good condition before driving is even more crucial at this time of year because it can help to reduce the risk of accidents. Make sure you’re well-rested and alert before you get behind the wheel and perform a basic check of the vehicle.
That means checking your tyres are inflated to the requisite pressure and that your brakes are in good working order. Leave time to de-ice your vehicle properly too as this can cause significant visibility issues if not done correctly.
The Key To Winter Road Safety
If you're travelling long distances, make sure to take regular breaks – the recommendation is 15 minutes rest for every 2 hours driven, helping you stay alert and reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents.
To help you, we’ve got a few tips to help keep you safe on the roads this Christmas and New Year…
- Increase your following distance to allow for extra stopping time on slippery roads
- Use your headlights and turn signals to improve visibility and communicate your intentions to other drivers
- Avoid using cruise control in snowy or icy conditions
- Be prepared for sudden changes in weather and road conditions
- Keep an emergency kit in your car in case you get stranded (that means water, blankets, phone charger, flashlight, and food)
- Take regular breaks on long trips to reduce the risk of fatigue
- If you start to skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go – don’t brake or accelerate suddenly
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we’ll see you in 2025!
