Have a safe T.R.I.P.
We want you to have a safe T.R.I.P. this summer.
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:
- 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
Towing safety
If you’re travelling over the summer then don't forget about towing safety if you're bringing along a caravan or trailer. Check if they're in good condition and roadworthy, especially if they've been sitting idle. Consider using towing mirrors on both sides for better rear visibility.
If you tow a trailer, caravan or horse box:
- connect carefully and check your breakaway cable is secure
- weigh your load, make sure it is secure and within the manufacturer’s recommended limits of your vehicle and trailer
- make sure you have the correct driving licence category and vehicle insurance cover
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 motorway breakdowns are caused by tyre problems.
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
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.
