Long distance driving tips: How to prepare for a long road trip

Taking a scenic road trip can be one of the most amazing experiences life has to offer. Driving long distances allows you to spend quality time with loved ones, reflect on life, forget about work and experience the beauty of nature. To help you make the most of your trip, here's everything you need to know to be as prepared as possible for your big adventure.

Safety check the car

Do you safety check your car before long distance driving? It might sound like an obvious one, but you may be surprised to know that 30% of people never check their car before they set out on a journey.

To put your mind at ease, you should also consider getting a car service before a long road trip. Although, spending a few minutes carrying out important car maintenance checks could help you avoid a car accident and stay on the right side of the law.

The RAC recommends using the acronym FORCES, to help remember exactly what you need to check:

• Fuel
• Oil
• Rubber (tyres and wipers)
• Coolant
• Electrics
• Screen wash

Arrange any necessary insurance and breakdown cover

Making sure you have the necessary insurance and breakdown cover will give you peace of mind while you're travelling and could help you save money. If you do happen to break down, having more comprehensive breakdown cover will make sure that you can get your car home or to your intended destination.

Check the weather forecast

Weather conditions affect driving in a huge way. Rain can lead to poor visibility and slippery surfaces, which can then lead to flooding and aquaplaning .Although us Brits love the sun, it can also pose potential risks when driving. Bright sunshine can affect visibility in a big way, and too much heat can cause road surfaces to soften. Always drive according to the conditions and double check for weather and traffic updates when preparing for a road trip.  

Plan your route + stops 

HGV drivers are constantly on the road, but they have precautions and rules in place to keep them safe. The 10-hour driving rule is one of these precautions. This rule suggest that drivers cannot exceed 10 hours within a 24-hour period. Planning your route and making sure you find areas to stop and take a break will ensure you're in the best possible condition for the journey.

Check for scheduled road works or closures

There's nothing worse than planning a fun journey and finding yourself stuck at some point on the road. Road works or closures can be a source of frustration for anyone, but for those who are driving long distances, they slow down plans or halt them entirely.

Planning ahead and checking for any closures or road works will ensure nothing gets in the way of your trip. You can search the government database for current and planned roadworks to find out if your journey will be affected on the major road network.

Let friends, family or colleagues know your plans

Letting your friends, family or colleagues know about your plans is good practice when it comes to safety. Talk to those closest to you about the route you're taking, how long it'll take to get there and when you hope to arrive, just to be safe. 

Charge your phone

Some cars can charge your phone for you on the journey, but it's always a good idea to charge your phone to capacity before you start. If you have a full phone battery, you'll always have a way to contact the authorities if something were to go wrong. In fact, relying on charging your phone in your car could actually cost you more in the long run.

Get plenty of rest

Police statistics show that fatigue is a major cause of road crashes in the UK, accounting for around 4% of fatal road crashes and 2% of all collisions. This is why it's important to get as much rest as possible before you set out on your journey. If you do happen to feel tired while you're driving, you should pull over as soon as possible to recover. 

^{Updated 24th August 2022}