Planning your drive around roadworks and accidents
It’s an absolute soul destroyer when you hit an unexpected traffic jam on the way to or home from work. While many people do know to keep a watchful eye on travel news and updates, there are still plenty of us who aren’t entirely proactive when it comes to making our way around Britain’s roads.
Firstly, sitting in a pileup costs money. Unless it’s apparent that no one’s going anywhere fast, then many people leave their engines on in case the queue lurches forward. When the engine’s running, it’s drinking your petrol supply and with petrol costs so incredibly high at the moment (and only set to go higher) it’s just too expensive to risk getting caught up in a queue. If you’re self-employed, then time is also money. You can’t afford to drive around without checking whether or not the roads ahead are clear.
It’s also risky to get caught in a jam in bad weather. Often, drivers are sitting ducks for moving vehicles behind them not seeing the pile up and slamming into the queue ahead. That’s when a good insurance policy comes into play. If your policy’s up for renewal, get yourself down to a price comparison site like moneysupermarket.com car insurance to find a competitive quote.
Sitting in a traffic jam also costs the environment. With all those engines left running and drivers going nowhere, congestion only adds to emissions – emissions that can be avoided if only drivers make sure they’re more aware of what’s going on ahead of them. Don’t get stuck – be informed.
Motorists can use Directgov as a comprehensive resource for travel updates via a whole host of avenues – its Journey Planner offers a full range of information and route-planning services for whatever journey you’re about to embark on. The Highways Agency also offers live traffic updates, feeds and alerts, and information on weather conditions and planned roadworks on England’s motorways and trunk roads. Get the information you need before you set off.
Check online or subscribe to email alerts or RSS feeds for journeys you make regularly. Check for updates on the Highways Agency’s mobile website, download the iPhone app to your smartphone, call 0300 123 5000 or 08700 660 115 for realtime updates on incidents and jams or to report one, tune into www.trafficradio.org.uk, or check Ceefax, Teletext or BBCi on your TV before you set off.
Finally – make sure check the weather forecast with the Met Office.
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