- How to avoid road trip arguments this summer
- Big holiday drives can be stressful
- Some simple tips can prevent ‘car-guments’
- In-car arguments could also lead to a charge of careless driving
These top 10 tips could take the stress out of holiday road trips - while also preventing ‘car-guments’ resulting in a hefty £5,000 fine.
Hitting the road for an extended drive with loved ones in tow can be a big trigger for squabbles and disagreements.
Major rows typically begin just 22 minutes into a car journey, according to one survey by carmaker SEAT.
But if a person behind the wheel ends up being dangerously distracted while remonstrating with a passenger, they could even face a prosecution of ‘careless driving’.
Sentencing guidelines for careless driving include ‘Engaging in a brief but avoidable distraction’ - such as an argument - and irate motorists face a fixed £100 fine and 3 penalty points, while more serious cases can go before courts and result in a £5,000 fine and disqualification.
Want to swerve all of that - and avoid a barney kicking off in the first place? Here are some easy top tips that might help:
Having a packing strategy
As a rough rule of thumb, big stuff goes into the boot first, smaller items can be piled on top. Don’t bury anything you might need mid-journey or it’ll be a pain to find when you stop.
Do a practice pack
It might immediately tell you what actually fits and what doesn’t - and what you need to completely jettison - before getting into a panic about it on the morning of the big day.
Check properly before you leave
Have you got everything? Are the doors locked? Have you shut the garage? Have you left a key with the neighbour? Nagging doubts can cause stress, which can in turn lead to arguments. Proper checks mean peace of mind.
Don’t get grumpy
It’s easier said than done. And be mindful that other people might become annoyed if they have to wait for you. If you’re a notorious slow coach, pack the night before.
Have the kids got everything they need?
A recent study by Skoda found almost 70% of UK motorists have been distracted by their children when travelling. A quarter also admitted they ‘nearly had an accident’ when driving due to being ‘preoccupied by their children in the car’. Make sure the sprogs have everything they need - screens, phones, chargers, snacks, drinks, etc, or you’ll regret it.
Pamper the pooch
If you’ve got a dog with you, make sure he or she is comfortable and has access to water. Invest in a doggy water bottle, which has a handy bowl built into the bottom of the container. Aim to stop for a dog rest break every 2-3 hours.
Plan your stops
Avoid ‘hangry’ passengers by pre-planning your stops. Work out where you’re going to pause for a break, figure out what food that location might offer, and make sure the entire family is happy with it. Pre-planning is also crucial if you drive an electric vehicle and know you'll need to stop and charge somewhere.
Have a Plan B
You’re almost certainly going to hit traffic. Set off on the assumption you’re going to end up delayed and always have a Plan B - and even a Plan C and Plan D - should the worst happen. Is there somewhere local you can visit if you get snarled-up at a common site of congestion?
Don’t turn off the sat nav
Even if you know precisely where you’re going and you know the roads like the back of your hand, still engage the sat nav. If there’s a road closure - or an accident causing congestion ahead - it can suggest a different route.
Decide what you’re going to listen to in advance
A poll by Fiat in 2023 found 65 per cent of motorists have had arguments over the choice of tunes during a car journey. Gone are the days when a driver decides all. Pick a strategy for music selection and stick to it, even if it means creating a joint playlist.
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