Towing a caravan

If you’re towing a caravan, check the tyre condition – tyres can deteriorate quickly when not used for some time, so check for any cracking in the sidewalls. Also check the braking system, the indicators and brake lights and coupling gear.

Make sure that the caravan is properly balanced with the load distributed as advised by the manufacturer. You certainly don’t want to discover you’ve got an uneven load when you hit the road! In addition, never overload your vehicle or caravan beyond their designed carrying capacity.

It’s also a good idea to have breakdown cover arranged. Our caravan and motorhome breakdown cover has been developed with The Camping and Caravanning Club and includes standard RAC Breakdown Cover alongside specialist benefits to cover your caravan.

Vulnerable road users

Good weather makes it a great time for horse riding, cycling and walking, which increases the risk of meeting slow moving animals, vehicles or people just around that next bend.

Horse riders:

If you’re coming up behind a horse, give them enough space and reduce your speed in plenty of time. Horses are unpredictable and can spook easily, so don’t rush up to the back of them or make any sudden noises.

Cyclists and road walkers:

If you’re coming up behind a cyclist or a group of walkers, as with approaching a horse rider. you must give them enough space and reduce your speed in plenty of time. 

You can’t be sure of a cyclist’s skill level, whether they’re aware of your presence or what they’re going to do next, so it’s crucial to pass slowly, giving them plenty of room.

In urban areas with fast moving dense traffic, it’s particularly important to watch for bikes coming up on your left hand side – always give your nearside mirror a quick glance before turning left.

Glare

Bright sunshine can cause major issues for motorists driving in the face of it, and sometimes a sun visor just doesn’t cut it.

Summer has a higher chance of clear skies, so always having a pair of sunglasses in the car is good idea – both fashion and safety-wise.

However, there are certain types of sunglasses that aren’t suitable for driving, which should never be worn when behind the wheel. Category four sunglasses are illegal to wear while driving as they let less than eight per cent of light through the lenses.

Sunglasses must be labelled in the UK to show the ‘filter category number’. Category four should be labelled ‘not suitable for driving and road use’.

Variable tint lens sunglasses are also not suitable for driving because modern car windscreen glass filters out UV rays – so the tint on these glasses that becomes darker when exposed to sunlight will not work.

Summer road rage

Rising temperatures and busy summer traffic jams are the perfect recipe for increased stress levels when driving.

• It’s important to plan your route in advance, careful to avoid busy driving times and roads if you can help it and ensure you take regular driving breaks. 

If you’re driving with children, ensure they are happy and comfortable with enough in-car entertainment to keep them occupied and regular breaks to stretch their legs.

Breakdown without cover

Simply call our non-member helpline on 03301598743 to find out how the RAC can help. Learn more about breaking down without cover today.

To help plan your journey visit our route planner and see the latest traffic news which gives the most up to date road information available including incidents and ongoing roadworks.