Car Insurance News
Drivers urged to stay alert on long journeys
13 July 2012
With the summer holidays coming up for many people in the UK, plenty of motorists will be planning long drives over the coming months as they head off for sunnier climes.
This can lead to an increase in road accidents as vehicle users spend too long behind the wheel or begin their journeys at unusual times in order to catch their flights overseas.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has urged UK drivers to bear this in mind and be even more caution than usual over the next few months.
Head of training Simon Elstow said: "Getting away on holiday can be great fun, but it can also be a very stressful time - especially if you have a whole family to pack."
As with many problems, the key to avoiding difficulty is to prepare as much as possible beforehand in order to steer away from any unexpected issues, he added.
"Make sure you prepare yourself, your car and your route for a trip that has everyone smiling from start to finish," Mr Elstow declared.
For drivers likely to encounter heavy traffic, the IAM recommends planning petrol and rest stops in advance, meaning they can take regular breaks and avoid running out of petrol while in a congested area of the road.
It also suggests that motorists who expect a long journey should get as much sleep as possible before setting off, as this will keep them alert throughout the tri[.
For those setting off on family holidays and wishing to avoid the dreaded situation of several bored children in the back seat distracting the driver, the IAM recommends devising quiet ways to keep them entertained that do not directly involve the person operating the car.
This comes as a new government campaign, THINK!, stresses the importance of not driving when fatigued.
It revealed that some 20 per cent of accidents on British roads are believed to be sleep-related.
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