When to Travel Home for Christmas as Safety Warning Issued for Drivers

With Christmas just around the corner, Brits are advised on the best and worst times to drive home during the festive period. Road safety experts urge drivers to plan their journeys during Christmas to avoid congestion and ensure safe travel.

With around 19 million separate trips made by car between the 19th of December and Christmas Eve, drivers travelling home can expect crammed motorways and long delays.

Traffic congestion is not only inconvenient, but it also increases the risk of rear-end crashes.

Vehicles decrease their following distance in traffic jams, which means that even the slightest movement from the driver, such as gently braking or taking the foot off the accelerator, can result in a crash.

Another reason why accidents are more likely to occur because drivers often don’t pay as much attention to the road when they’re sitting in traffic, with some even distracting themselves with smartphones.

Long traffic jams can also lead to aggressive driving behaviour and increased accident risks.

The last Friday before Christmas, also known as ‘frantic Friday’, is the worst day to set out on the road because many people travel home after they’ve finished work for the holidays.

Last year, almost eight million car journeys were made on frantic Friday, resulting in a 15% increase in travel time.

Besides avoiding travelling on Friday, 22nd of December, it’s also best to steer clear of the roads on Christmas Eve if possible.

Aim to travel home from the 18th until the 21st of December, as fewer cars will be on the roads during midweek, especially if motorists avoid the morning and evening rush.

When travelling on Christmas Day, it’s best to set off before 10 am or leave the driving until after 5 pm.

Gary Digva, founder of Road Angel, said: “With millions of Brits planning to hit the roads to travel home for Christmas, drivers must ensure they stay alert even when stuck in traffic jams.

“Many people are unaware of the potential dangers of traffic congestion and may end up causing a crash or rear-end bump.

“It’s important to keep sufficient distance between you and the vehicle in front to prevent crashing into it.

“We’re also warning drivers they must not pick up their phones when bored in traffic, as this can result in penalty points and hefty fines.

“If possible, drivers should plan their journeys for quieter days, for example, during the midweek before Christmas, when many people are still working.

“The worst days to travel are the 22nd and 24th of December, but if you have no choice but to travel on these days, you can get a head start by setting off early in the morning or waiting until later in the evening when the roads clear up.

“It’s also worth checking your vehicle before getting behind the wheel to avoid breaking down in the middle of traffic, as this can cause even longer delays for you and other drivers.”