Safety Tips for Holiday Travellers this Christmas

Travelling at Christmas time, particularly by car, can be stressful and demanding. But there are several safety precautions you can take that will ward off potential problems en route.

The key word is preparation, applicable to yourself, your passengers and not least, your vehicle. Don¿t simply jump in your car and drive away as you could be heading for disaster.

Firstly, take a look at your car. Make sure that you have a spare tyre that¿s properly inflated to the correct pressure. Also check that you have a wheel spanner and jack in your tool kit.

Check all your tyres for sufficient tread and pressure. Make sure your car windows are clean. It's amazing how much road grime collects on your windscreen, making driving at night particularly difficult.

• Is your battery properly charged?
• Do you have the right level of antifreeze in your radiator?
• And what about your brakes? Find a quiet stretch of road and test your brakes before the big trip. If you have any doubt, get them serviced.

Comfort is important, too, both for yourself as the driver and for your passengers. Make sure you get plenty of sleep before starting a long journey. It goes without saying that you shouldn't drink and drive.  Remember that a few drinks the night before can remain in your bloodstream for several hours and badly affect your driving ability.

Pack ahead of time and make sure you have warm blankets and a first aid kit with you. A flashlight is a good idea and maybe some simple games, CDs or tapes for entertainment, particularly if travelling with children. Make sure that you do not forget your cellphone and that it is fully charged before you leave. It is worthwhile to invest in a cellphone car charger if you don't already have one.

Another good idea is to make an itinerary of your trip, so you know exactly where you are going, particularly if you will be travelling a route with which you are unfamiliar. Note your expected departure and arrival times. Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone you trust so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

These simple measures will go a long way towards ensuring a safe, hassle free Christmas holiday.