Long Distance Driving Tips: How to Stay Safe on UK Roads

Summary

• Take regular breaks: Stop every 2 hours for at least 15 minutes. Tiredness kills more people than drink driving.
• Prepare your car: Check your tyres, oil, coolant, and fuel before you go. A pre-journey car check only takes 10 minutes.
• Plan your route: Know where you'll stop for fuel and rest. Avoid rush hour if you can.

Long drives are part of life in the UK. Whether it's a holiday, a family visit, or a work trip, many of us spend hours on the road.

But long drives bring extra risks. Tiredness, boredom, and unexpected breakdowns can all cause problems.

These tips will help you arrive safely, comfortably, and on time.

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Before You Leave: Prepare Your Car

A breakdown on the motorway is stressful and dangerous. A quick check before you go can prevent it.

The 10-minute check

• Tyres: Check the pressure and tread depth on all four tyres. Don't forget the spare.
• Oil: Pull out the dipstick and check the level. Top up if needed.
• Coolant: Check the coolant reservoir is between the min and max marks.
• Windscreen washer fluid: Top it up. You'll use a lot on motorways.
• Lights: Check all lights are working, including brake lights and indicators.
• Fuel: Fill up before you start. Running low adds stress and wastes time.

For a full checklist, see our pre-journey car check guide.

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Plan Your Journey

A little planning goes a long way. Here's what to think about:

1. Check traffic: Look at live traffic before you set off. Apps like Waze or Google Maps can help.
2. Avoid rush hour: Try to miss the 7-9am and 4-7pm peak times.
3. Know your stops: Plan where you'll stop for fuel, food, and rest.
4. Have a backup route: Motorway closures happen. Know an alternative way.
5. Tell someone: Let someone know where you're going and when you expect to arrive.

Money saving tip: Motorway services charge a lot for fuel. Fill up before you join the motorway, or use our fuel finder to find the cheapest fuel near you.

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Staying Alert on the Road

Tiredness is the biggest danger on long drives. Your reactions slow down and your concentration drops.

Warning signs of tiredness

• Your eyes feel heavy.
• You keep yawning.
• You drift in your lane.
• You can't remember the last few miles.
• You miss road signs or turnings.

How to stay alert

• Take a break every 2 hours: Stop for at least 15 minutes. Get out of the car and walk around.
• Have a coffee: Caffeine helps, but it takes 20 minutes to work. Drink it and then rest for 15 minutes.
• Share the driving: If someone else can drive, take turns.
• Don't drive when your body wants to sleep: The riskiest times are 2am-6am and 2pm-4pm.
• Sleep well the night before: Get at least 7 hours sleep.

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Motorway Driving Tips

Most long UK drives involve the motorway. Here are some key tips:

• Keep left unless overtaking. Sitting in the middle lane causes congestion.
• Keep a 2-second gap: Double it in rain. Use the "two-second rule" by picking a fixed point and counting.
• Use your mirrors: Check them regularly, especially before changing lanes.
• Don't tailgate: Following too closely is dangerous and illegal.
• Slow down in rain: Wet roads double your stopping distance.

New to motorways? Read our complete motorway driving guide.

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What to Pack for a Long Drive

Having the right things in your car makes a big difference. Pack these essentials:

Item	Why You Need It
Phone charger	Keep your phone charged for navigation and emergencies
Water and snacks	Stay hydrated and avoid expensive motorway services
Warm layers	If you break down in winter, you'll need warmth
High-visibility vest	Essential if you need to get out on the hard shoulder
Warning triangle	Alert other drivers if you break down
Sunglasses	Low sun is a hazard, especially at dawn and dusk
Entertainment for kids	Keeps them happy and you less stressed

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If You Break Down

Breakdowns happen. Here's what to do:

1. Pull over safely: Get to the hard shoulder or an emergency refuge area.
2. Turn on hazard lights: Make sure other drivers can see you.
3. Get out on the passenger side: Away from the traffic.
4. Stand behind the barrier: Never stand between your car and the traffic.
5. Call for help: Use the emergency phone on the hard shoulder or call your breakdown provider.

For more detailed advice, read our guide on what to do when your car breaks down.

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Driving With Children

Long drives with kids need extra planning. Try these tips:

• Plan extra stops: Children need more breaks than adults.
• Pack entertainment: Books, tablets, and games keep them busy.
• Bring snacks and drinks: Hungry kids are unhappy kids.
• Check car seats: Make sure they're fitted correctly. See our child car seat guide for help.
• Never leave children in a hot car: Temperatures inside a car can become dangerous very quickly.

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Long distance driving doesn't have to be stressful. Prepare your car, plan your route, take regular breaks, and stay alert. A little preparation goes a long way.

Before any big journey, give your car a quick check. Our essential maintenance checklist covers everything you need.

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