Drivers urged to take care over May Bank Holiday getaway

Last May Bank Holiday weekend saw 11 million Brits take to the roads, with heavy traffic and a spate of accidents leading to congestion on many major routes. This May Day weekend, M&S Car Insurance is urging drivers to plan their weekend getaway travel in advance, to help avoid unnecessary delays to their trips and ensure a stress-free journey to their holiday destination.

Taking care on roads at home

With drivers making longer journeys, and congestion causing longer journey times, breakdowns are more likely over Bank Holiday weekends as cars have to work harder and then have a tendency to overheat.

Travelling abroad

For drivers taking cars into the EU this Bank Holiday it is important to make sure the insurance policy covers European Union travel. Some insurance policies, such as M&S Premier Car Insurance, have this level of cover, but this isn't the case with all car insurance policies.

Andrew Ferguson, M&S Head of General Insurance, said: "Busy Bank Holiday traffic can lead to a higher level of accidents and breakdowns.  Having the necessary insurance in place provides extra peace of mind to ensure worry-free Bank Holiday travel.

"We are urging motorists to take adequate precautions before setting off and while driving to avoid unnecessary stress, breakdowns and causing further delays on the roads."

M&S Car Insurance tips to ensure Bank Holiday travel is a breeze:

Adequate insurance and breakdown cover provides safeguards and peace of mind. M&S Premier Car Insurance includes RAC breakdown cover to its policy holders.

Plan journeys beforehand using a route planner such as DirectGov's Transport Direct website, or use a GPS throughout the journey

Take plenty of entertainment if travelling with children to ensure they are kept occupied and don't distract the driver

Have refreshments in the car to avoid dehydration in the heat and in case traffic jams delay any planned stops at services

Check the car over before setting off, ensuring the oil, screen wash, coolant and tyre pressures are at correct levels

Allow plenty of time for the journey

Make use of websites such as Trafficmaster before setting off to discover which roads to avoid

Listen to traffic congestion updates on local radio while travelling