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How To Avoid Fatigue On Your Bank Holiday Road Trips: Essential Safety Tips
Stay safe on your bank holiday journeys this weekend by ensuring you’re properly rested before setting off, says breakdown and road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist. The advice comes as families from across England and Wales make ready for bank holiday journeys to theme parks, seaside resorts and beauty spots.
Experts say up to 20 per cent of all road collisions – and a quarter of all fatal crashes – are related to fatigue1. That’s why GEM is advising drivers to reduce risk by getting a good night’s sleep before a long journey and to build in breaks along the way.
GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst says: "The bank holiday weekend is sure to see heavy traffic on much of our motorway network, as well as on routes to the coast and to tourist attractions. There’s also a large-scale programme of roadworks as additional emergency areas are constructed along long stretches of smart motorway, so do allow extra time for your journey."
"Being tired when you're driving raises the risk of a collision, especially if you’re driving early or late – or even through the night – to avoid the queues," Luckhurst continues. "Watch out for the obvious warning signs that you’re tired. These include difficulty focusing on the driving task, fidgeting and frequent yawning. As fatigue grows, it will be harder to focus on driving. You may also find yourself drifting to the left or right, and unable to maintain a constant speed."
Tips for Safe Driving
GEM offers a few simple tips for drivers to reduce the risk of a fatigue-related collision: Get a good night’s sleep before you drive a long journey. Build in time to reach your destination (or your night-stop) without rushing. Remove time pressures wherever possible.
If possible, share the driving. Just check that your co-driver has the right insurance cover. Stay hydrated. This assists in keeping you awake and alert, particularly on long, hot journeys.
Take a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours or 100 miles. Get out of the car, do some exercise, stretch or walk. If necessary, have a caffeine drink or two to boost your alertness.
If you are driving all day, schedule a proper hour-long break in the middle of the day, as this serves to split the day’s driving into two shorter and more manageable halves. Avoid driving alone for long distances if possible.
Avoid Night Driving
Don’t press on into the night. Avoid driving at times when you would usually be asleep.
GEM Motoring Assist provides two levels of recovery service; Recovery EXTRA and Recovery RECLAIM, to suit all needs and pockets. GEM provides a comprehensive and competitively priced Roadside Assistance and Vehicle Recovery Service.
GEM was Highly Commended in the Personal Finance Awards in 2023 and GEM’s breakdown cover has also been awarded a 5-star rating by Defaqto, meaning GEM provides one of the highest quality offerings in the market.
GEM Motoring Assist was established in 1932 as an independent driver-based road safety association. GEM's aim is to improve safety for all road users through sponsorship and initiation of accident prevention measures throughout the UK and provide motoring and safety information to its own members.
Member benefits include a quarterly magazine, free literature and advice, and discounts on insurance and other services.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents notes that fatigue is linked with up to 20% of road crashes1. This statistic underscores why it's crucial for drivers to rest adequately before embarking on long trips.
Press information: James Luckhurst is available for comment on 07770 608153 or [email protected] Alternatively, you can email [email protected] for any further information.
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