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Ensure Your Summer Holiday Drive Is Safe With GEM's Top Tips
As summer holidays approach, GEM Motoring Assist offers tips to ensure safe travels. With schools in England and Wales closing soon, millions will be on the roads heading to holiday spots, airports, and ferry terminals. GEM's head of road safety, James Luckhurst, emphasises the importance of being prepared for a stress-free journey.
Transform a long drive into an adventure by planning a suitable route with interesting stops. Utilise navigation apps that provide real-time traffic updates to avoid delays and congestion. This proactive approach can make your trip more enjoyable and less stressful.
Long drives in hot weather can be exhausting. To stay alert, schedule breaks every two hours and keep hydrated. Avoid the temptation to push through to your destination if you're tired; it's safer to rest when needed.
Weather Considerations
Extreme heat can strain your car's battery, engine, and tyres. Keep your windscreen clean to reduce glare from the sun. Rear-seat sun blinds can help keep children comfortable. When parking, seek shady spots but remember that shade may shift throughout the day.
Avoiding Alcohol
Alcohol is a factor in about 25% of over 20,000 annual road fatalities in Europe. Police arrest more drink drivers during summer than any other time. If you plan to drive, abstain from alcohol entirely to ensure safety.
Medication Awareness
If you take medication, bring enough for potential delays on your return journey. Continue taking it at the correct times but be mindful of side effects like fatigue that could impair driving ability.
Mechanical Checks
A well-maintained car reduces breakdown risks. Before setting off, check tyre pressures and tread depths, fluid levels, battery condition, and brakes. Ensure you have appropriate breakdown cover for peace of mind if issues arise.
"We all want our holiday to start the moment we close the front door and set off," says James Luckhurst. "By ensuring we’re fit to drive, in a well-maintained car on a well-planned route, we’ll be doing our bit to reduce stress and danger."
GEM Motoring Assist was established in 1932 as an independent driver-based road safety association. It aims to improve safety for all road users through accident prevention measures across the UK and provides motoring information to its members.
The organisation offers two levels of recovery service: Recovery EXTRA and Recovery RECLAIM, catering to different needs and budgets. GEM's roadside assistance has been highly rated by Defaqto with a 5-star rating for quality service.
For further information or comments from James Luckhurst, contact him at 07770 608153 or editor@motoringassist.com. Alternatively, email press@motoringassist.com for additional details.
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