Driving home for Christmas

If you’re planning to travel during Christmas, it’s important to be aware of any traffic that could impact your journey. According to the AA, drivers are expected to make an estimated 16.1 million separate trips by car to see friends and family between Monday, December 19th, and Christmas Eve.

The association issued an amber traffic warning for those dates, meaning lengthy jams are likely. The M25, the M5 between Bristol and Weston-Super-Mare, and the M6 around Birmingham were identified as motorway stretches where bumper-to-bumper conditions are likely.

If you’re planning on a long trip to see family or friends, IAM RoadSmart has some tips on how to make it safely to your destination.

Check the traffic

Try to avoid setting off at peak times. With Christmas falling on a Monday this year, you might be able to travel on a different day. Don’t forget to check for weather or traffic-related updates so you can allow more time to travel.

Basic Maintenance

Do your POWDERY checks. Is your vehicle ready for a long journey? Whether it’s a car or bike, ensuring your vehicle is in tip-top condition will help you enjoy your festive trip. Make sure your service schedule is up-to-date. Prevention is always best when it comes to travelling.

Pack more than the presents

Make sure you take plenty of water and snacks, especially if you are travelling with kids. A breakdown could mean a long wait with no heat, so it's sensible to have some warm clothes to wrap up in a big coat, gloves, a spare jumper, a hat, and gloves. Make sure all passengers have warm clothes they can put on to stay comfortable in freezing temperatures. Don’t forget your Hi-Viz vests, one for each of you and easily accessible.

The weather

There’s a high possibility that road conditions could be difficult during Christmas. Wintry weather is unpredictable; snow and ice make for slippery surfaces, and rain and darkening skies or even the low winter sun can cause issues with visibility. Check the forecast before you travel; if severe wintry weather is predicted, you might have to rethink your plans. If the conditions are already treacherous, it’s best to drive only if you must.

Keeping the kids happy

Remember, it’s the most wonderful time of the year—or it should be. Try to enjoy the journey and see it as part of the holiday experience, rather than a long slog through heavy traffic. A couple of useful tips: if you’re travelling with children, make sure they have plenty of things to keep them entertained, such as snacks, games, and movies; pop a Christmas film on.

IAM RoadSmart’s Chief Examiner, Richard Gladman, says: “Careful planning and preparation can ensure your Christmas journey is a safe and smooth one. Give yourself extra time during this busy period, and your trip doesn't need to be a festive failure. We all look forward to spending this time of year with family and friends, so we all need to make sure we are doing our bit to keep the roads safe. From everyone here at IAM RoadSmart, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”