2 weeks Ago By Jack Mortimer
Motorists planning to make a long journey during the Easter weekend have been issued three tips to keep them safe and avoid frustration behind the wheel. With the UK currently experiencing a spell of good weather, many Brits are getting excited at the prospect of travelling to see loved ones or get a change of scenery. However, Dave Thompson, claims director at Tesco Insurance , suggested that drivers who do not plan their journey over the weekend could easily find themselves in a serious traffic jam .
He said: "With the RAC predicting that more than 21 million journeys are expected to be made this weekend as schools across the UK break up, it’s important to make sure you take extra care when driving around. The increase in road users can pose several hazards, so make sure to hop to it by doing a few small checks on your vehicle so you’re not at risk of a hare-y problem!" Whilst motorists cannot always avoid getting caught up in traffic jams, Tesco Insurance noted that there are a number of ways in which they can prepare their vehicle for long journeys. In particular, the company recommended that drivers make sure their battery is in good health by getting it checked by a professional mechanic, particularly if the vehicle was parked up for lengthy periods of time during the cold winter weather.
It is also a particularly good idea to make sure that the car's tyres have enough pressure by using a gauge when they are cold and checking the tread by inserting a 20p piece in a groove and seeing whether they can still see the coin's outer marking. Dave also suggested that drivers looking to avoid motoring misery over the Easter holidays also make sure that their insurance is properly up to date, particularly if they are not the only one set to spend time behind the wheel. He said: "Make sure you have the right insurance in place, this might mean adding on a named driver if you are planning on sharing the drive.
"And when it comes to renewing, make sure you are aware of the discounts that might be available to you, for instance, Tesco Clubcard holders will get a guaranteed discount on their car insurance." Finally, Dan urged all drivers to factor in breaks when planning lengthy journeys, which can play a vital role in keeping the vehicle's occupants and surrounding road users safe. He added: "Longer journeys on the road can lead to tiredness and potential accidents.
When you’re thinking about the route, no matter how many times you might have travelled it, it’s important to factor in sufficient breaks. "Having a small kit bag on board with any repair equipment, blankets and extra clothing may also be useful in case you do experience a breakdown and need to wait for roadside assistance.".
