Peak identifies Bank Holiday driving stresses

Endless traffic jams, soaring temperatures and frustrated passengers are common features of Bank Holiday driving in the UK, especially at the start and end of the peak summer periods, and all contribute to unprecedented levels of drivers stress.

Now multi-award winning driver safety and risk management specialist, Peak Performance, has identified some of the reasons why drivers find these occasions more stressful than others – and has identified the types of driver who may be more inclined to lose their patience or their heads!

1. The Lone Driver

Drivers who normally drive alone for business purposes, at Bank Holiday times are suddenly subject to driving with a car-full of family or friends but may have rarely experienced having passengers in the car. For the Lone Driver, this can cause undue stress, frustration and significantly impact on his or her tolerance behind the wheel, leading to increased risk of accidents.

2. The Tireless Driver

When faced with a long journey which psychologically has to be achieved for the holiday to 'start', the Tireless Driver may be attempted to complete a longer journey than normal to get to the holiday location without planning stops and rest breaks. This should be avoided at all costs and proper journey planning, with allotted stops at regular interviews, are of paramount importance.

3. The Company Car Driver

If the car being taken on the holiday is a company car, the driver may have got into the habit, prevalent amongst company car drivers, of not checking the vehicle. Most company car drivers, used to driving the latest models which often require little maintenance, expect the vehicle to do the job and forget to make the required safety and functional checks that can prevent a breakdown. This job needs to be done well before the holiday departure date to allow time to put any problems right.

4. The Leisure Driver

Many drivers set off on long journeys, especially at Bank Holiday times, with exactly the same attitude to driving they adopt when driving round the corner to the shops. They fail to take into account that it is likely there will be traffic jams and more pressure from other road users for cooperation and tolerance. As the holiday journey is likely to be much more demanding on the driver there is a need for an attitude change and some careful planning to minimise these factors.

5. The Please Yourself Driver

Drivers who regularly drive for business will normally be able to 'please themselves' as to the route, speeds, and driving decisions they take and make. Going on the holiday journey means there may be many more opinions as to these issues often to the annoyance and frustration of the driver who normally pleases himself. This can lead to increased frustration and a behavioural change in the driver when driving – increasing the likelihood of crashes or accidents.

Peak’s recommendation for avoiding Bank Holiday misery:

1. Route planning

Carefully plan the route, taking into account any traffic black spots or bottlenecks. Use satellite navigation where available or consult motoring organisations. Always ensure you have the latest maps.

2. Check the vehicle beforehand

Before setting out on any long journey, check oil and water levels, and tyre pressures, including the spare. Make sure all glass surfaces are as clean as possible, including headlights. Ensure an emergency kit is available including provisions and drinking water.

3. Make sure passengers are occupied

In situations where this is likely to be a carload of people, especially children, make sure they have things to keep them amused, such as books IPods, sweets etc to try and keep passenger frustration to a minimum.

4. Take regular breaks

DoT advice is to drive for no more than two hours without taking a break. A break means getting out of the car, walking around or taking a comfort-break for at least 15 minutes.

5. Allow plenty of journey time

Don’t set unrealistic journey times. It is the start of the holiday and time should not be of the essence. Don’t break speed limits to try and catch up ‘lost’ time.

6. Try and avoid driving at night or in the early hours

Research suggests that between midnight and 6am is a time when the body's natural alertness is low and when drivers are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel. If possible park up and try and catch several hours of sleep.