Have a safe T.R.I.P. this summer
We want you to have a safe T.R.I.P. this summer
Whether it’s a family holiday, a spontaneous coastal drive, or a long journey to the airport, many of you will be gearing up for road trips this summer. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of safe summer driving, yet almost 3 in 10 (29%) drivers don’t consider the need for rest stops when planning journeys.
As well as completing your necessary vehicle checks before setting off, taking the time to plan rest stops in advance can help you reach your destination safely and with minimal stress. By planning thoughtful stops along the way – whether at service stations, or at nearby cultural and heritage sites, you will help make the journey part of the adventure and ensure you are well rested.
By sticking to familiar or the ‘fastest’ routes, you could miss opportunities to rest, recharge and explore while making memories. From farm shops, play areas and scenic dog walking spots, check out our recommendations along popular routes below.
Your chance to win up to £50 vouchers with our new T.R.I.P. game
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 gameT.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 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 tyre tread and pressure
In July and August 2022, our traffic officer patrols dealt with more than 21,000 breakdowns on motorways, with August seeing the highest number of breakdowns in the year. One in five of these was caused by poor tyre maintenance.
Give yourself 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.
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
Check the weather forecast for your route and destination and ensure you are prepared for severe weather. More than a third (34%) of drivers who have been involved in a collision or near-miss on a major road or motorway say weather played a role.
If you’re driving in hot weather this summer, you should also ensure you have essential items like water, sunglasses, and sun cream for those pit stops in the sun. Hot weather can also put an extra strain on your car, with high temperatures causing engine fluids like antifreeze and oil to evaporate more quickly. You should ensure they are topped up before you leave, as well as checking tyre pressure as the heat can impact this too.
Finally, check your route in advance of setting off to see if there are any incidents or roadworks that you should be aware of.
