Long Distance Driving Tips

Fantastic news for holidaymakers. Easy to follow long distance driving tips can turn a nightmare journey into a dreamy drive. These are particularly relevant in the summer, as motorists load their vehicles with challenging children and hefty hold-alls and set-off for Devon. As such, Simon Elstow from the Institute of Advanced Motorists has a few thoughts:

- Include regular rest stops and plan your petrol stops in advance – especially if traffic is likely to be heavy. There’s nothing worse than sitting in a traffic queue, with the petrol warning light glowing.

- Get as much sleep as possible the night before a long journey. If you feel tired, stop. Have a coffee and a 20 minute nap. If there's a long way to go, stop for a proper sleep.

- Pack a picnic and avoid motorway service area food prices. You can still use their facilities.

- Keep kids occupied by inventing games that reward quiet behaviour without needing the driver's direct involvement.

- Portable games consoles or in-car DVD players will keep kids occupied for hours but add some headphones – the soundtracks can be just as distracting as the kids.

- Share the driving if possible.

Mr Elstow said: “Getting away on holiday can be great fun, but it can also be a very stressful time – especially if you have a whole family to pack. Make sure you prepare yourself, your car and your route, for a trip that has everyone smiling from start to finish.”