If you are planning on getting away for a few days over the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend, read on before hitting the road.

A four-day bank holiday is the perfect opportunity to squeeze in a mini-break but with so many people thinking along the same lines, it generally makes for traffic chaos too.

With that in mind, experts at National Scrap Car, have put together a few tips to help motorists get through the bank holiday rush safely.

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Every bank holiday in 2022

Top tips for Bank Holiday drivers

1. Do the essential checks before setting off

Before setting off on any long journey motorists should always take the time to do the essential checks on their vehicles, particularly if this is their first long trip since winter ended.

Essential checks include:

  • Tyre pressure and condition
  • Oil levels
  • Headlights and brake lights
  • Wiper blades

2. Plan your route ahead

It is no secret that fuel costs are extremely high at the moment, which means making sure you have the best route possible planned ahead is essential for fuel consumption and for an easier journey.

But fuel consumption shouldn’t be the only factor considered. Take a look at the different routes to your destination and weigh up the options based on your requirements. For example, if you are someone that requires regular breaks, a route that may be longer but have more service stations or other opportunities to stop is the best route.

3. Avoid peak travel times

As obvious as it sounds, avoiding peak times is the best way to avoid the bank holiday rush. This may mean sacrificing time in bed and hitting the road early or opting for a late night drive the day before your break.

Amy Josling, car and scrappage expert at National Scrap Car, said: "The bank holiday is notorious for causing congestion issues for motorists, which is why planning ahead is key to getting through your drive there and back safely.

“Drivers should ensure that their route is planned prior to setting off and, if they can, avoid hitting the road during the peak travel times.”

4. Stop for regular breaks

Long journeys can be very tiring for motorists, having to be “on” for the whole journey - ensuring the safety of those in the car takes its toll. This is why it is important to plan regular breaks for longer trips.

Stop for food and drink to make sure you are staying hydrated and fed to keep you focused, and if you are planning on leaving later at night to avoid the rush, try and have a nap prior to setting off. Driving tired is very dangerous, particularly if you are planning a short break somewhere rural, as there are likely to be fewer street lights.

5. Keep the traffic function on your radio

Most vehicles have a traffic function on their entertainment systems that will interrupt your music to give updates. On shorter and every day trips the interruptions can be frustrating but it is important to keep this on for your longer journeys.

Some cars will have map apps that will automatically update to accommodate for any delays or disruptions but having the function on will allow you to be fully informed on your travels.

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6. Have breakdown cover

To avoid being stranded while far away from home, take out breakdown cover.

Breakdown cover is a type of insurance you take out in case your vehicle breaks down. It is extremely useful to have when embarking on longer trips, if you get a flat car battery or a punctured tyre or even more severe faults causing you to get stuck, having breakdown cover will mean that the fault is either fixed at the roadside or you will be collected with your vehicle and taken somewhere either where they can fix it or back home.

7. Know your limits the night before driving home

Bank holidays are synonymous with barbeques and having one too many drinks, however if you are planning to drive you need to be aware of your limits the night before and the day of driving home.

It takes around three hours after each drink if you consume one large glass of wine or a higher-strength lager, beer or cider before the alcohol leaves your system.

It is important to remember that nothing can make the alcohol leave your system any faster, including sleep and caffeine.