UK drivers face the highest fuel prices in four years as hundreds of drivers took to the main roads for Christmas.

Prices at motorway service stations could even outstrip the cost at supermarket refilling stations.

This comes after travel chaos struck the UK on so-called “frantic Friday”, when the last of the year’s commuter traffic clashed with the festive getaway.

On the M40, there were major traffic jams in both directions after a lorry carrying beer caught fire on the southbound carriageway near Bicester, Oxfordshire.

Merry Christmas and safe driving from Britannia!

If you have to think about whether or not you’re sober enough to drive – the answer is you probably aren’t.

At Christmas time in particular, people are very likely to go driving the morning after a heavy drinking session without realising they are still technically under the influence of alcohol. Remember, a few hours’ sleep is no quick fix for lowering alcohol levels in the blood.

A road safety spokesman stated that anyone who has been out celebrating the night before driving “may just be about to ruin someone else’s Christmas, as well as their own.”

Earlier this year drink-driving was revealed to be a key concern among the public. Statistics show that far too many people are prepared to take the risk of dangerous driving, both straight after a drink and on the following day.

Remember that if you have been drinking, you need to allow sufficient time for your body to process the alcohol you have consumed.

Merry Christmas and safe driving from Britannia!

It is quite astonishing the lengths that some drivers will go to to protect their beloved motors from dreaded bird droppings.

In Clifton, Bristol, people have been placing spikes in trees near their homes to prevent the birds from fouling their cars from above.

The spikes, normally used to stop birds resting or nesting on buildings, have been set along branches that overhang a car park used by residents near Clifton Downs, which overlooks the Avon George and Clifton Suspension Bridge. As expected, the measure has prompted a backlash from environmentalists in the city.

While Green Party councillors are fully aware that the landowners have the right to protect their property, they argue that the spikes look truly awful and trees should naturally provide a habitat to birds.

One of them stated that it is too easy to lose sight of the benefit that we all gain from trees and green spaces and from the presence of wildlife around us in the city.

What are your thoughts on the subject? Have you ever taken extreme measures to protect your car from nature and wildlife?

Safe driving from Britannia!

Up to 1.25 million leisure journeys are expected to take place this Friday, on top of last day commuters breaking up for the holidays. For this reason the RAC is urging motorists planning long journeys to try and avoid the chaotic clash.

As many as 11.5 million Christmas getaway trips are expected before the big day, with Christmas Eve set to be particularly busy between 10am and 2pm, according to RAC Traffic Watch data.

Highways England has announced that during the festive run-in, 99% of England’s motorways and major A-roads will be free of any roadworks.

However, one RAC spokesman reminds drivers that it only takes one breakdown or accident to bring traffic grinding to a halt – so best to plan ahead and try to avoid peak times if possible.

Schools have been breaking up since Friday 15 December so should the opportunity to travel before the end of next week arise, then it would be advisable to do so.

Don’t let an avoidable breakdown get in the way of you reaching your destination this Christmas. Take a moment to check your car’s general condition, fuel and fluids in order to save getting stuck for hours in the dark.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Drivers are being advised to avoid hefty fines by declaring any medical conditions they may have when completing their DVLA driving licence form.

There is an official list of conditions that people are obliged to inform the DVLA when applying for their driving licence.
Such conditions could affect the way you drive, and failure to acknowledge them can result in severe punishments.

Motorists can be fined up to £1,000 and invalidate their car insurance premium. More seriously, they could be prosecuted and face a jail sentence if involved in a crash as a result of their medical condition.
These include anxiety, depression and forms of cancer but the comprehensive list indexes an A-Z of conditions, syndromes and diseases.

Safe driving from Britannia!

In the early hours of Sunday 16th December there was a horrendous 3 car pile up in Birmingham city centre. Investigators are trying to piece together what caused the horror smash, which took place in the underpass on Lee Bank Middleway – at the junction of Bristol Road.

Three men were among the fatalities, while a black cab driver and his two passengers, a man and a woman, were also killed.

Victims were thrown from their vehicles while a black cab driver and his two passengers, a man and woman, died after the vehicle was left on its side. A fourth man travelling in the car remains in a critical condition at the city’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

For something like this to occur just a week before Christmas is truly upsetting. While it remains unknown what exactly caused the horror smash, road users are advised to be extra vigilant when out and about at this time of year.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Christmas is a fantastic time of the year – It brings people together, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal festivites with friends and famiyalike – But there is still reason to be cautious if you’re the one behind the wheel this Yuletide.

Because of the time of the year – As well as the recent weather – Christmas is notoriously cold and wet, so watch out for the dangers this might cause such as ice on the roads. Also if you’re out enjoying some seasonal socialising after you’ve broken up from work, make sure you’re not drinking and driving.

Have a great Christmas break, from Britannia Driving School!

Many drivers think lights are all about nighttime driving – but there are many instances when you should use them even during daylight hours. For instance, your brake lights should come on when your foot touches the brake pedal, but should not be used continuously when in stationary traffic due to the glare for drivers behind you.

Your vehicle’s headlights and headlights should also be used in daytime hours when visibility is reduced. As soon as visibility improves you must turn your fog lights off to avoid dazzling other drivers. Dipped headlights should be turned on to ensure you can be seen at dusk, dawn or in dull weather.

Indicator lights are equally important and should be used by way of informing other road users where and when you are turning into a new road, pulling off or exiting a roundabout.

Hazard warning lights should be used only when your vehicle is stationary, to warn other road users that you are temporarily obstructing traffic. If your car is being towed on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn road users behind you of a hazard/obstruction ahead, it is also acceptable to use your hazard warning lights in this case.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Black ice forms on roads and pavements, so-called black because of the colour of the road it forms on. The coat of frozen water is transparent because it is so thin and therefore almost impossible to see.

Black ice typically occurs when the temperature rises above freezing and snow on the ground melts, making road surfaces wet. The temperature then drops below freezing, turning this moisture on the road to ice.

Overpasses and bridges are common places for black ice to form because of cold air flowing under the road, lowering the temperature of the surface. Also parts of the road that are shaded by trees or other objects can typical areas for black ice.

On encountering black ice, keep your steering wheel straight. Turning the wheel increases the chance of sliding and losing control of your vehicle. Also, braking hard will cause your vehicle to slide. Reduce your speed by taking your foot off the accelerator – it’s best to let your vehicle stop by itself, providing you have enough room in front of you.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Driving at this time of year when the temperature drops can be very daunting! Increased winds, rain, snow and other unpleasant weather can affect the way your car behaves and make the roads hugely hazardous. On top of which, having less daylight heightens the difficulty drivers face on the roads.

On approaching the coldest nights of the year, it’s important that drivers ensure that their vehicles are road safe before they head off, to minimise the risk of damaging their vehicles or endangering their lives.

Your car’s windscreen washer fluid contains anti-freeze that stops the water from freezing when the temperature drops. Make sure your fluid is topped up before your journey – running out on your journey not only proves hazardous but according to the Road Vehicles Regulations 1986 it is illegal to not have fluid in your car’s screen washer bottle.

Having incorrect tyre pressure will not only cost you money as it reduces your car’s fuel efficiency, but it can also be dangerous especially if you’re travelling long distance. Be sure that each tyre meets the legal tread depth guidelines of 1.6mm.

Make sure your wiper blades are fully functional and can deal with the grit, snow and ice that is likely to occur during the winter months. Blades should be changed every 12 months, as the rubber can perish if exposed to extreme temperatures. And remember that when defrosting your windscreen before travelling, don’t leave the engine to idle as it could land you a £20 fine.

Your car battery can also become less efficient during the winter season. If it cuts out but doesn’t run flat, you can jump start it and then drive for at least 20 minutes to recharge it.

You should also never pour boiling water on the windscreen as it could cause it to crack, and ensure that you completely clear the car’s windows of ice before driving off or you could risk a £60 fine.

Safe driving from Britannia!