We are well and truly on the countdown for the most wonderful time of the year, and whether you are a festive fanatic or a Christmas Grinch, it is hard not to get swept up in the anticipation of having a few days off to celebrate with loved ones. For many of us, the holidays start in earnest with a journey home – a modern pilgrimage to family and friends flung far and wide before we can truly put our feet up.
Last year, a survey by the RAC revealed that 21 million drivers were set to make a trip in the week before Christmas, and over the years a heady mix of commuter, school and leisure traffic has led to the Friday before the big day being dubbed as “Frantic Friday”. According to Time Out, the busiest projected days for train travel are Saturday 21st and Monday 23rd December – a trend that’s likely to be replicated on the nation’s roads.
Unfortunately, this bustle, celebration and the UK’s winter weather can make driving more dangerous. Road traffic accidents are higher in December than any other month of the year – up around 30% for women, and 9% for men – and the 23rd and 24th of December represent the deadliest driving days of the year. This is why safety campaigners work hard to ensure that people are prepared and aware over the festive period – with the government partnering with alcohol brands this year to discourage drink driving.
With everyone in the mood to relax, no one wants their Christmas spoiled by a very stressful journey, or even worse, an accident. So, what can you do to make your drive home for Christmas go without a hitch?
Check your car in advance
We’ve all experienced that sinking feeling when our car has started to make a troubling and mysterious noise but setting off home for Christmas isn’t the time to cross your fingers and hope it will sort itself out.
To keep Christmas spirits high and avoid any time spent in a motorway layby, make sure any niggly problems are fixed in the run-up to your drive, and check your oil, coolant, tyres, lights and washer fluid before you leave. It is particularly important that your tyres have sufficient tread depth to remain safe on wet and icy surfaces.
Just in case you do run into trouble, it helps to have an emergency pack in your car. This should include items such as a torch, first aid kit, a phone charger, blankets and plenty of water.
Prepare for all weather conditions
If there’s one thing the weather in 2024 has seemed to be at pains to make clear – you really do need to be prepared for everything. Some of the biggest dangers to drivers over the winter months are low visibility, wet road surfaces and ice, and it’s important to be aware – particularly if you are going on a long journey – that weather conditions could change.
For example, a journey from London to a mountainside in Eryri could see you encountering “four seasons in a day”, as well as very different kinds of roads. Going from gritted and well-maintained motorways to forgotten country lanes can be something of a shock, so it pays to be even more prepared than usual. Make sure you have de-icing tools, such as windscreen scraper and de-icer spray, handy.
Make sure you keep your energy up
For some, the prospect of driving through the night is more appealing than hitting daytime traffic, especially if they have small children who would (in theory!) sleep through the journey. This isn’t necessarily a bad idea, but it’s particularly important to keep your energy levels high if you are driving late into the evening.
December has some of the longest nights of the year, and extended periods spent on roads and motorways in the dark can be mesmerising. Packing caffeinated drinks, plenty of snacks, and taking regular breaks is key to keeping your concentration sharp.
Brace yourself for traffic
When travelling on inevitably busy days, it helps to be philosophical about the prospect of hitting heavy traffic – especially in and around shopping centres. Plan your route well before leaving, with any potential road closures in mind, and check travel news before setting off so you can take alternative routes without last-minute stress if necessary.
You can also prepare ahead with tactics for keeping children entertained and your own mood up, whether that’s a Christmas playlist or mid-journey stop at a festive event. If you become stuck in traffic, try to “go with the flow” and accept the situation, as it will clear eventually.
Stay informed
We all tend to rely on tech like Google Maps in the modern age, but in case you lose phone signal you should download an offline map with your route to help keep you on track. A real, paper map in the glovebox can also come in handy, should your phone or satnav stop working for any reason.
Stay safe
Driving carefully at any time of year is always vital, but as December sees an increase in accidents, you will need to pay extra attention – especially at roundabouts and junctions.
Bear in mind that other drivers may be frantic to get to the shops and not thinking clearly, have just left a Christmas party and be over the limit, or be too keen to get their journey over with and prone to speeding. Don’t take for granted that other people will be following the rules of the road to the letter and take particular care to observe the vehicles around you.
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As immortalised by Chris Rea, driving home for Christmas is more than just a commute – it’s a festive tradition, and for many, the true start of the holidays. The British winter weather may be challenging, the skies dark and the roads busy. But with lights twinkling, Christmas songs playing, and the prospect of feasts and fun just over the horizon, with a little preparation the journey home can feel like a celebration in itself. Merry Christmas everyone and see you in 2025!
