In the days leading up to Christmas Day, it’s a fair bet that many of the UK’s roads will be incredibly busy as many families travel for the holidays.
The last working day before Christmas is often dubbed ‘Frantic Friday’ because of the number of drivers on the country’s road network. It's seen as the perfect time to travel for those who are planning to spend the holiday season away, mixed with regualr commuter traffic.
Of course, plenty of drivers make shorter trips throughout Christmas too, rather than one longer journey - if you’re getting behind the wheel during the festive period, here are some quick tips which can help to keep you safe and stress-free.
It’s always advisable to plan ahead before making a longer journey, so you can prepare for any potential delays and avoid roadworks.
No-one wants to be stuck in lengthy traffic jams, especially on a dark winter evening, and particularly so if you’re travelling with children; nothing dampens the Christmas spirit quicker.
Before you travel, check the RAC’s route planner to flag any likely problems, and plan around them.
As we’ve already covered, it’s easy to predict the busy periods on the roads, so it makes sense to avoid them if at all possible.
Friday evenings are always busy and especially leading into the Christmas weekend - why not wait, and try to get an early start on the Saturday morning, instead?
If you’re planning to make a journey on Christmas Eve to stay with relatives, could you drive the evening before instead, when the roads are likely to be quieter?
Drink driving is a serious issue at any time of the year, but it’s magnified at Christmas, as our social calendars fill up and we celebrate the season with friends and work colleagues.
Be aware that the morning after a night out can be a dangerous situation.
If you’ve been drinking alcohol the night before you may not be sober enough to drive the next morning.
The RAC covered this issue last year with a warning: if you need to think about whether you’re in a fit state to drive, the chances are you’re probably not.
There’s a high possibility that road conditions could be difficult during Christmas.
Wintry weather is unpredictable; snow and ice make for slippery surfaces, and rain and darkening skies can cause issues with visibility.
Check the forecast before you travel - if severe wintry weather is predicted, you might have to re-think your plans.
If the conditions are already treacherous, it’s best to drive only if you absolutely have to.
Read our guide to driving in winter here.
