Nicola Richardson has been a Class 1 driver for over 30 years, holds her Transport Manager (Road Haulage) CPC qualification and previously ran a haulage company. It is fair to say that Nicola is familiar with all things transport! She joined Driver Hire Norwich in early 2023, consulting clients and candidates on day-to-day operations and recruitment.
One aspect of driving is the long hours out on the road. It’s not something most Brits are used to, and whilst a road trip can be exciting, many find long drives daunting.
For professional drivers, like Nicola, this is something they do every day. In order to help Brits keep safe when embarking on a road trip and also get the most fun out of it, Nicola has answered some key questions.
What checks should you do to your car before a long drive?
“Before you set off on a long journey, always check over your vehicle, even if you have driven it recently. As well as keeping you and other road users safe, these checks can help prevent breakdowns and lengthy delays to your trip. Always check your engine oil and coolant, windscreen wash levels, as well as your tyres, brakes and lights.” says Nicola.
“Even if you know the way, setting your satnav up to give you directions is always a good idea, as it will keep you best informed of any changes to the route in real time as you drive.”
What is the best day and time to go?
“If you have flexibility on which day to leave for your road trip, try not to go on a Monday or a Friday as these are often the busiest days for traffic on UK roads. If you have the option, pick a day midweek, and always check ahead of time that there is not a big event near your route.” suggests Nicola.
“The best time to set off is early in the morning as there is less traffic. Not everybody is comfortable doing so, but if you’re happy driving the roads at night, this is one of the best times to drive as it is quietest. This is, however, when the most motorway maintenance occurs, which may result in closures, so always check your route before travel.”
How often should you stop?
“You should stop at least every couple of hours, but you can and should stop as many times as you need to. If you feel fatigue setting in, or if for example you’ve driven a stretch of road and find you don’t remember it, it’s definitely time to stop and take a break.” Nicola warns.
”You might be keen to get to your destination as fast as you can, but accidents are more likely to happen when a driver is tired. For your safety and other road users’ safety, it’s always best to stop, rest and then return to the road when you are ready.”
What’s your advice for when the motorway is busy?
“Go as early as you can and avoid peak times if possible. When you know the motorway is going to be really busy, always be prepared for the worst-case scenarios, such as breaking down, or being stuck in traffic for long periods of time.” is Nicola’s advice.
“Pack water, and if you have pets, make sure you have food and water for them as well. Take warm layers, such as coats, gloves and blankets to keep warm if you get stuck. If snow is forecast, pack a shovel.”
How should the driver adjust their seat?
“Although it may be tempting to wind your chair back, the best position for a long journey is upright, as it is more comfortable over a long period of time. Make sure your seat position is correctly before you set off, as adjusting whilst you are driving may result in you taking your eyes off the road, which can be dangerous.” says Nicola.
“Your seatbelt should be across your chest and away from your neck. Having your seatbelt in the wrong position is not only uncomfortable, but it can also be very dangerous if you crash, so make sure you wear it correctly.”
Pictured: Nicola at the 2024 Royal Norfolk Show