Have a safe T.R.I.P. this autumn
We want you to have a safe T.R.I.P. this autumn
Following this advice will help keep you and your passengers safe and avoid any unnecessary delays or costly repair bills. By planning your journey and preparing your car you can have an enjoyable and stress-free journey.
Before setting off:
- plan your journey, including rest stops
- make sure you get a good night's sleep before your trip
- avoid alcohol the day before as this can disrupt sleep and affect your driving the following day
- know what medications you're on and how they affect you
- avoid driving between midnight and 6am when you’re likely to feel most tired
T.R.I.P. Top-up, Rest, Inspect, Prepare
Tyre issues are the biggest reason for breakdowns on motorways. It's important that drivers regularly check their tyres and pay attention to their vehicles to support safer journeys on our roads.
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 losing power, having engine issues or running out of fuel. Most of these problems can be avoided if you check and top up your vehicle's fluid levels.
Before setting out, check your fuel levels and make sure you have enough to get to your destination. Or know where you can stop to fill up.
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
To enjoy a comfortable road trip, you should take a break for at least 15 minutes every two hours.
To prevent tiredness and stay alert consider stopping somewhere you can go for a walk and get some fresh air. You can stop at a motorway services area or even have a picnic at a National Trust site or country park.
Search for National Trust properties close to your route
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 tyres
In 2023, there were over 51,500 tyre related breakdowns on England’s motorways and major A-roads, and in 2023, there was a 14% increase in tyre-related breakdowns compared to 2022. Our latest research also 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.
Give yourself time to check your tyre treads and get them replaced if there is less than 1.6mm of tread (the legal minimum). Low tyre treads can reduce your control of your vehicle - especially in wet weather, make your braking distance longer. It can also increase your chances of a sudden blowout.
Before setting off, check your tyre pressures. 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 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
Weather conditions can vary considerably throughout the year, and can sometimes change at short notice.
To keep safe when travelling on our network, it's important to prepare for different weather types and understand how to adjust your driving for the conditions. Our advice pages will help you do this.
