Have a safe T.R.I.P. this winter
We want you to have a safe T.R.I.P. this winter
We want you to be safe on the roads this winter.
As temperatures drop and the risk of snow, ice, and heavy rain increases, being prepared before you set off has never been more important.
Winter breakdowns on motorways and major A roads have risen by 21% over the last five years, with more than 67,000 incidents recorded between December 2024 and February 2025 alone – and slippery roads due to the weather continue to be one of the leading causes of serious incidents each winter.
This winter, our T.R.I.P. campaign focuses on “P” for Prepare. Our teams are working around the clock to prepare the network for adverse weather – ensuring gritters are ready and salt supplies are topped up – and there are steps you can take to prepare yourself too.
Before you travel, use a route planner to map your trip and check for any traffic updates or delays. Always check the weather forecast, ensure your fuel, oil and screenwash are topped up, your battery is sufficiently charged, and pack essential winter items. Don’t leave for a long journey without an ice scraper, torch with spare batteries, warm clothing, blankets, snacks, water, a fully charged mobile phone, and jump leads, so you’re ready if you break down.
Your chance to win up to £50 vouchers with our new T.R.I.P. game
We’ve also created the new T.R.I.P. “Fill Your Boots” online game to show the simple T.R.I.P. safety checks every driver should do before setting off — from checking tyre tread depth and ideal tyre pressure to making sure your vehicle is winter-ready. To celebrate, we’ve partnered with Halfords to give one lucky winner each month the chance to win up to £50 in Halfords vouchers, redeemable online or in-store until 9th May 2027. By playing the game, you’ll be automatically entered into our monthly prize draw for the next 12 months.
Play the game and enter nowT.R.I.P. Top-up, Rest, Inspect, Prepare
T
Top-up
fuel, oil, screen-wash
Top-up
Fill up fuel, check your oil and screen-wash, ensure you're charged.
Over 33% of breakdowns are caused by vehicles running out of fuel, losing power or engine issues. Some of these problems can be avoided if you check and top up your vehicle's fluid levels.
Running out of fuel is serious and can leave you and other road users in a risky situation.
In cold temperatures, electric vehicles use more energy for heating and comfort, which can slightly reduce driving range. Planning ahead supports safe, efficient driving year-round.
Before you set off, make sure your battery is sufficiently charged and plan your journey to include stops where you can charge your vehicle en-route.
Check your oil level: use the dipstick to check and top up if required.
Check your screen wash is topped up so you can clear any debris or dirt off your windscreen and ensure you have good visibility.
R
Rest
every 2 hours
Rest
Plan to take a break every 2 hours
Having stopping to take a rest when driving is not only important for your safety, but also contributes to a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience.
Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before you travel. Plan your journey and factor in rest stops with a minimum break of at least 15 minutes every two hours to help you stay alert.
What are the risks of not taking regular breaks?
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Your ability to detect threats decreases, and your reaction time increases.
- Negative effects on your mood and behaviour behind the wheel.
I
Inspect
tyres
Inspect
your tyre tread and pressure
Over the last five-year period, winter breakdown incidents on the UK’s motorways and major A roads have increased by 22%.
Many breakdowns are avoidable - simple vehicle checks can help you have a safer journey while saving you time and money.
Our latest research shows that 21% of drivers who have broken down on the motorway think it could have been avoided if they’d conducted proper tyre checks before starting their journey.
Before you leave, allow time to check your tyre treads - and get them replaced if there is less than 1.6mm of tread (the legal minimum). If you're stopped by the police and your tyre treads are less than 1.6mm you could face a £2,500 fine and three penalty points per tyre.
You should also check your tyres’ pressure. If they're over - or under-inflated - even by as little as 10% - it can affect your car's performance, making it more dangerous when braking and steering.
You may also need to inflate your tyres to a higher pressure if you have more luggage or passengers then normal.
Learn more about tyre maintenance on our vehicle checks page
P
Prepare
for weather
Prepare
for the weather
The weather can have a big impact on your journey. Over a third (34%) of drivers involved in collisions or near-misses on major roads say conditions played a part. Take a moment to check the forecast for your route and destination, using a road traffic planner to stay informed so you’re ready for rain, fog or sudden changes in temperature.
Winter driving can be unpredictable. Before long journeys, make sure your vehicle is prepared by checking your tyre pressure and inspecting trye tread, topping up screen wash, ensuring electric vehicles are charged and that you have enough fuel for your trip or know where you can top up.
It’s also important to pack essential items, such as sunglasses for low winter sun, water, snacks, a blanket, jump leads, and a fully charged mobile phone. Keep our customer helpline handy too.
Finally, always plan your route. You should always check the weather forecast before setting off, and if heavy rain, snow, ice or storms are expected, consider delaying your journey until conditions improve.
