National Highways urges drivers to prepare for half term

With an estimated 49% of families going on holiday during half-term (ABTA, 2022), the roads leading to airports and popular destinations across England are expected to be much busier next week. Many of these families will be driving on roads they are not necessarily familiar with, often in already stressful situations, juggling luggage, tight schedules, and restless children.

As families across England set off for their getaways, new research has revealed that millions of drivers could be hitting the roads dangerously underprepared. Whether heading to the airport or travelling to new parts of the country, many motorists are embarking on long journeys without essential safety checks, often navigating severe winter weather, unfamiliar roads, and irregular travel hours.

A new report from National Highways highlights the extent of the issue, with 80% of drivers saying they find driving to the airport more challenging than other winter trips. The pressure of catching a flight adds to the stress, with 39% feeling rushed against time. Nearly half of drivers say severe weather conditions make airport travel harder, while 30% feel unfamiliar roads add to the risk. A further 27% say irregular travel hours, such as early mornings or late nights, make journeys more difficult, and 24% admit they often do not get much sleep the night before travelling.

Ryan spoke to Sheena Hague, director of road safety at National Highways.

Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash