The festive season is jam-packed with excitement. From seeing friends and family to having a much-needed break from work and daily life, it’s a period where people get to have a little bit of fun all over the UK.
Here at David Hayton, we’ve got a range of vehicles that could help to make this festive season even more exciting. But if you’re driving over the next few weeks, there are some things to bear in mind to ensure that this festive period isn’t just fun, but safe too. Let’s take a look.
General driving
The festive period sees thousands of drivers descend on the country’s roads. During peak times there can be far more cars on the road than normal, which is why proper driving etiquette can help to make venturing out this festive season a little easier and safer.
Travelling earlier in the day or later at night can help to avoid the worst of the congestion and it might be worth looking at alternative routes as a way of driving around pinch points. Many of our current vehicles get in-built traffic data, which can flag up slow-downs ahead and avoid them. However, if you do get stuck try to remain calm and patient then, when things speed up, make sure to keep left on motorways unless overtaking and always signal properly and effectively - there may be some drivers on the roads who aren’t as used to driving on main roads.
Parking
Parking your vehicle is an everyday occurrence but during the festive period, it’s worth being mindful of some other aspects. For one, many parking restrictions change during this period, so double-check the local guidelines to make sure that you’re in the right bay, at the right time and having paid the right amount.
Try to be mindful of where you leave your car and don’t leave it blocking driveways or access points - the last thing people want during this time is to be held up because of a vehicle disrupting their path.
Security
The festive period also provides many opportunities for thieves. Cars laden with gifts are an easy target, and failing to properly secure your car can turn a pleasant period into a disastrous one. When parking, always make sure that you’re leaving your car in a well-lighted area - preferably with CCTV coverage - and if you’re concerned, then park it near high-traffic areas where lots of people will be walking through.
However, the best way to prevent any thieves from seeing your car as a target is to remove any valuables whatsoever and be mindful when loading or unloading the vehicle. Don’t leave it unlocked when going back into your house - it is opportunities like these that thieves thrive upon.
Safety checks
A few safety checks can be the difference between a safe and unsafe journey. Most vehicles come with a suite of assistance systems but even these can’t help if you haven’t completed some basic mechanical checks. For one, ensure that your tyres have adequate tread and haven’t sustained any damage to the sidewalls which could lead to a blowout. If you suspect any issues, then get in touch - we’re always happy to help.
Keep your tyres properly inflated, too, as this will make sure that your car is rolling as efficiently as possible. You can find the right pressures for your car in the vehicle handbook or behind the fuel filler cap and remember to adjust them if you’re travelling with more people or luggage in the car.
Don’t overload
It can be tempting to pack everything - including the kitchen sink - when you’re travelling during the Christmas period. However, overloading your car is dangerous and can drastically affect the performance of the vehicle, hampering braking and acceleration.
So make sure you don’t overload your vehicle and, if you need to, leave something behind. It’s better to be on the safe side - you could face a £300 fine and three penalty points if your vehicle is found to be dangerously overloaded.
The festive period is meant to be exciting and, with a few small checks, there’s no reason why that can’t be the case. Our range of vehicles is ideal for festive driving, too, and if you fancy making a change before the big day then get in touch and see what kind of vehicle could fit the bill for you.
