Driving during the holiday season – our top tips

Christmas is almost upon us and whilst we are looking forward to the arrival of the big man in the warm, red suit, watching festive specials, eating our own bodyweight and (hopefully) forgetting about work for a few days, this time of year can also mean a lot of time spent in the car.

Whether you are visiting faraway friends and family, suited and booted for your Christmas works do or on your way to your New Year’s Eve venue, it is important to stay safe in your vehicle during the colder months.

Here are M&BM’s top tips to stay safe in your vehicle this Christmas.

The most obvious point to make over the Christmas holiday is to be sensible when it comes to alcohol. It’s likely that you have been invited to more parties this month than any other time of the year, and we’re willing to bet that alcohol features in all of them.

If you are planning on drinking, don’t drive. Walk if you live close by, get a lift with someone who is abstaining or book a taxi. Saving a few pennies is simply not worth a driving ban or worse.

The news is warning us about the state of the roads this coming weekend. In the lead-up to Christmas, the roads close to town centres and retail parks have become nightmarish; soon the shopping will be over and the motorways will be clogged with people travelling to visit family.

Are you one of them? If so, make sure you’re prepared in case of a traffic jam:

• If you are going on a long journey, check the traffic news. You may be able to avoid congested areas or set off at a different time to minimise the chance of ending up stuck
• Fill up the car – the last thing you want is to be at a total standstill with just fumes in the tank

• Ensure your car has the fluid it needs – oil, antifreeze, screenwash etc
• Leave home with an empty bladder – it’s pretty obvious why!
• Take snacks – you don’t want to get ‘hangry’ when stuck in traffic!
• Bring a book – if you’re going nowhere, you may as well turn what could be an annoying situation into a rare chance to relax!
• Don’t forget your phone and charger – make sure people know where you are

When it comes to Christmas and New Year, the weather can really be all over the place. Mild but wet, freezing cold, gale force winds… are you and your vehicle prepared for whatever the British weather throws at you?

• Check the weather forecast and work out the safest route
• Allow extra journey time so you don’t have to rush in adverse weather conditions
• Check the battery – the cold weather and increased use of lights and heating can place strain on your car’s battery
• Clean your lights – you will be relying on your lights in the dark or when driving in weather conditions that result in poor visibility so it is vital that they are clean
• Check your tyre pressure and tread – decent tyres mean decent steering and braking, which are essential in cold and icy temperatures
• Ensure your windscreen wipers are in good condition and your wash has been topped up
• Have a breakdown kit in the boot – this should include a torch, blanket, scraper and de-icer, a shovel and snacks. You will also want to make sure your mobile is fully charged

Don’t take a chance this Christmas – enjoy every moment but be sensible and prepare for any trips you’re planning on making.