If you’re setting off this Christmas make sure you arrive safely.
Over the festive period around 21 million people hit the roads to visit friends and famiy for Christmas. With so many people on the motorways, there are a few things you need to be aware of so that you can arrive for Christmas safe and sound.
Will Pringle at Smith Bros the UK’s leading provider of pre-owned trucks and lorries, has shared his top tips for a stress-free journey home this Christmas.
He said: “When the roads are busy, it’s tempting to overtake lorries and trucks to get ahead. However, it’s important to take care when overtaking heavier vehicles to ensure safety.”
Lucas Farnan, HGV recovery driver based in Widnes, said: “When driving around HGVs, remember they have larger blind spots than cars. If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they probably can’t see you either.
“Avoid staying in these blind spots for extended periods. When overtaking, make plenty of space to complete the manoeuvre safely.
“After passing, don’t cut in too quickly because HGVs need more time to stop. Always give extra space, especially when they’re turning a corner or in poor weather conditions”
If you get stuck in traffic on your journey then it’s important to make sure you’re conserving fuel. The common mistake many drivers make is leaving the car to idle in traffic, burning through their gas.
Avoid idling as this can consume around 0.8 litres of fuel per hour, and the constant acceleration and braking that drivers usually do in stop-and-go traffic increases consumption by nearly 90% on motorways.
Will recommends switching off the engine in stand-stills that last longer than two minutes.
Before you set off for Christmas, make sure your car is all in working order by checking your brake fluid, tire pressure, indicators and ensure you have enough gas.
These quick checks can minimise your chances of an accident or breakdown and get you to where you’re going faster, and safer.
