As the cost of living continues to soar, many of us are swapping exotic vacations for the charm of staycations, rediscovering the beauty and diversity of the UK's landscapes.
From the rolling hills of the Lake District to the serene beaches of Cornwall, the allure of a road trip adventure beckons. Yet, amidst the excitement of planning these getaways, many drivers are at risk of making simple mistakes that could result in up to £12,000 in driving fines!
To help you avoid these common yet overlooked blunders, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts advises on how you can safeguard your staycation from unexpected costs and keep the joy of your adventures undimmed.
Our pets are key members of our family, and staycations allow us to take them with us around the country. But, it's dangerous and illegal to transport an unsecured pet, such as a cat or dog, in your car because it could be construed as 'distracted driving'. Although this would usually only attract a £100 fixed penalty fine and three penalty points, a court could increase this to £5,000 and nine penalty points.
Practical Tips:
- Use a Pet Seat Belt or Carrier: Invest in a crash-tested pet seat belt or a secure carrier. Make sure it's appropriately sized for your pet to keep them safe and prevent distractions.
- Practice Short Journeys: Get your pet accustomed to being in a harness or carrier with short drives before embarking on longer trips.
- Provide Comfort: Include familiar blankets or toys in the carrier to help soothe your pet during the journey.
Sat-navs help us know exactly where we are going, which can be particularly helpful when trying to navigate unfamiliar UK roads. But the punishments for using a handheld mobile phone while at the wheel of a car also apply to the use of an unsecured sat-nav.
If you're caught using your phone or a sat-nav that's not in a proper holder to follow directions, you could be subjected to a £200 fine and six penalty points. If the case goes to court, the fine could rise to £1,000.
It's just as important to mount your phone or sat-nav carefully because you could get three penalty points if you don't have a full view of the road ahead.
Practical Tips:
- Choose the Right Mount: Ensure your sat-nav or mobile device mount is sturdy and compatible with your vehicle's design. Dashboard or windscreen mounts should offer clear visibility without obstructing your view.
- Set Up Before You Drive: Always input your destination and make any necessary adjustments before you start driving.
- Voice Commands: Utilise voice commands to make adjustments hands-free, keeping your focus on the road.
The UK summers are unpredictable and often wet, meaning our roads collect a lot of standing water. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, it's an offence to drive without reasonable consideration for other road users. That means if you drive through a puddle and splash pedestrians, you can find yourself in trouble. This could land you with a £100 fixed penalty notice, rising to as much as £5,000 in court.
Practical Tips:
- Slow Down: Reduce your speed significantly when driving through puddles near sidewalks to prevent splashing.
- Keep Distance: Leave more space between you and the vehicle ahead, allowing you to spot and avoid puddles in advance.
- Be Observant: Stay alert to pedestrians and cyclists, especially in wet conditions, and adjust your driving accordingly.
Speed cameras cause irritation for many drivers who are caught out on their speed, and it can be tempting to alert other drivers to upcoming cameras. However, being a 'nice person' could land you with a fine!
By flashing your headlights to alert other drivers, you are classed as obstructing the police, which comes with a £1,000 fine.
Practical Tips:
- Focus on Safe Driving: Instead of warning others, concentrate on adhering to speed limits and driving safely.
- Use Legal Alert Systems: Consider using a sat-nav or app that legally notifies you of speed cameras and traffic conditions without requiring interaction while driving.
- Educate Others: Encourage friends and family to use legal speed alert systems and to always drive within speed limits.
“It's important to follow the Highway Code to avoid fines and to keep you and other road users safe. Fines can easily drive up the price of your staycation but may also impact future insurance prices if you end up with points on your licence.”
Embarking on a staycation is a fantastic way to explore the beauty and diversity of the UK, but it's crucial to do so responsibly. By being aware of the potential pitfalls and taking steps to avoid them, you can ensure your journey is both enjoyable and safe.
Found this article helpful? Share it with your friends and family to spread the word on safe travel! We love hearing from our readers – drop us a comment with your thoughts or share your own tips for a hassle-free staycation.
