Plan your journey

There are a number of things that you should consider, check and prepare before heading out on a journey, of any length.

Below, is just a few examples of what you should be thinking about:

• Before going on any long journey make sure your vehicle is in good condition.
• Plan your route in advance, using main roads as far as possible and have enough money and petrol. It is also worth carrying a spare petrol can.
• Carry some change to make a public telephone call if you need to and if possible carry a mobile phone with sufficient credit on it to ring for help.
• Keep your doors locked when driving in town and keep valuables away from open windows.
• After dark, always park in a well-lit, preferably busy area.
• When you come back to your car have your key ready and check there is no one in the car.
• If you are unlucky enough to break down and are waiting for rescue, sit in the front passenger seat. Being further away from the traffic it is safer in the event of another vehicle hitting your car, also, sitting in the passenger seat makes it more likely that passing motorists will think the driver has gone for help and you are not a lone driver.