PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY >>

Audio commentary:

A long journey can take its toll on even the most experienced drivers. However, there are steps you can take to alleviate the stress and fatigue of an epic trip.

>> Planning the journey

Use Internet route planners and travel sites to plan your journey in advance. Take into account the times of day when you'll be going near busy areas and check in advance for roadworks. If you're aiming to be somewhere at a specific time, plan regular breaks into your journey – a break of 15 minutes is needed at least every two hours. These don’t have to be at service stations either. Why not look for a previously unknown village a mile or two from the motorway and spend an hour there?

Fatigue

Fatigue affects your concentration and can make you less tolerant of other drivers. As well as taking regular breaks you can always share the driving. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol, which can make you lethargic.

If you have any of the following symptoms it's time for a break;

• Yawning
• You start to feel stiff
• Your eyes feel heavy
• You find yourself day-dreaming or staring at the car in front
• The car wanders out of your lane

Remember at certain times of the year there may be other tired drivers around too, so being alert is doubly vital.

>> Preparation

Breakdowns and accidents are often caused by poor car maintenance. Take time before your journey to make the following checks.

> >>Tyres

Tyres are the only contact your car has with the road, so it’s vital that these are in top condition.

By law, the tread should be at least 1.6mm deep and there must be no damage to the tyre either. Your tyres also need to contain the correct pressure. This varies for each car, so look in your owner’s manual for details. Incorrectly inflated tyres cause irregular wear and also increase fuel consumption, costing you money. You can inflate them at most petrol stations for free.

>>> Brakes

Not something you can easily fix yourself, but you can keep an eye on their effectiveness.

If your handbrake takes more than a few clicks before it will hold your car then the cable or rear calliper/drums need checking out at an authorised service centre.

As for your footbrake, check this by pumping it until the pressure builds up and the pedal becomes rigid. Then hold your foot on the pedal and feel for any loss in pressure. If the pedal gives way, there is a leak in the system. Also if there is a great deal of movement in the pedal when you brake then they need adjusting.

>> > Lights

Get a mate to take a look while you turn on your lights, brake lights, reverse lights and indicators to make sure that they’re working.

>>> Oil

Your engine can be seriously damaged if you fail to keep it topped up with oil, so check the level at least once a fortnight using the dipstick. This should be done when the engine is cold and the car is on a level surface.

>> Water

Again, it is advisable to check your water levels at least every fortnight. This includes the water in your windscreen washer as well.

>> Packing

Give yourself enough time to pack the car before you go. Try to spread the load evenly and avoid leaving any items loose, which will become missiles in the event of an accident. Also try and keep everything in bags or cases, which will be easier to remove if you need to get to the spare wheel.

> >> What to do if you break down

Breakdown cover will cost you less then fifty pounds per year and not only will they guarantee you’ll get home if you break down, they also offer piece of mind even if you never need to call them.

If you break down on the motorway you can stop on the hard shoulder. If your car is driveable though, try to get to the next junction or service station before calling for assistance. If you do have to stop on the motorway hard shoulder;

• Stop as far back from the road as you can, with your wheels pointing in so if your car is hit it will not go back into the line of moving traffic
• Switch your hazard warning lights on
• You and the passengers should get out on the kerbside but leave any animals in the car. Wait near your vehicle but well away from the traffic, up the motorway embankment or behind a barrier if possible
• If you are alone and feel threatened, get back into the car (on the kerbside) and lock all the doors until you feel the danger has passed
• Reflective clothing should be worn if you have any. Warning triangles are not recommended for use on motorways
• Do not be tempted to undertake a repair on the hard shoulder
• The police advise you to call from a motorway emergency telephone, which connects directly to them, in preference to a mobile phone. If you do have to use your mobile, find a reference number on a marker post so you can be found easily

On other roads, try and get the vehicle off the road and switch on your hazard warning lights. If your vehicle poses a danger to other traffic or is in danger of being hit, get all passengers away and place your warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your car. Take care of yourself and other passengers, wearing reflective clothing if you have it and staying clear of oncoming traffic. Remember to note where you are before calling the police or breakdown service using your mobile or any available phone.