I'll be home for Christmas...
As we approach Christmas Day, many people will be travelling to see friends and family. For those making the journey by road, the thought of being caught up in queuing traffic for hours on end makes us question why we put ourselves through it every year!
In the days before, please check your vehicle to minimise the risk of a breakdown. Consider the P.O.W.D.E.R. check which consists of:
PETROL: have you got enough fuel or charge to comfortably complete your journey?
OIL: check the engine oil and brake fluid levels, making sure there are no leaks
WATER: check that the coolant and windscreen washer reservoirs are at the correct level
DAMAGE: look for damage, including the windscreen, and check the condition of your wiper blades
ELECTRICS: are all the lights working? Are there any warning lights on the dashboard?
RUBBER: check tyre pressures, tread depth and look for any damage, including the spare wheel.
If you have hired a vehicle, don’t assume that everything is perfect - do you own checks - and set up your driving position in advance. If it is a vehicle model that you have not driven before, take time to work out where the controls and driver aids are situated.
Avoid alcohol the night before if you intend to drive. You can still be over the limit many hours after your last drink - sleep, coffee and cold showers don't help sober you up either. If you use drugs, avoid driving completely and find an alternative way to travel. The effects of a drug may be relatively short-lived but they can remain in your system for many hours after you have used them - some drugs can stay in the body for several days.
Whenever you choose to travel, it’s worth checking both the weather and traffic reports before leaving home. Some satellite navigation systems will automatically re-route you around congestion, but this may be on roads that you are unfamiliar with. You are still responsible as the driver so if you get directed along a road unsuitable for your vehicle, don’t proceed.
Plan a rest break at least every two hours - those using an electric vehicle are often good at planning rest stops where there are charge points, using the time for a quick top-up. While you are stopped, you can check traffic conditions for the remainder of your journey.
Tiredness reduces your reaction time and ability to concentrate. The capacity to perform attention-based activities, such as driving or riding is impaired and decision making can be badly affected. Remember: you will be aware that you are feeling tired. Make a conscious decision to stop for a rest. Ignoring or underestimating the risks of continuing a journey when tired is naive and irresponsible.
Driving or riding within the speed limit, remaining calm and being considerate of other road users will help you arrive at your destination safely and in a good frame of mind.
If family or friends are visiting you from outside Wales, please remind them that the speed limit is 20mph on most residential and built-up roads in Wales. The presence of closely spaced streetlights can be a good indication that you are travelling on a 20mph road, unless a speed limit sign tells you otherwise.
Enjoy the festive period and look forward to everything that 2025 brings.