4 steps to avoid driving while tired in summer
Published 22 September 2026
Last updated 22 September 2026
Early flight? Late drive? Our colleagues at National Highways explain why fatigue deserves your attention.
During the summer, thousands of drivers make longer journeys outside their usual routine – from early morning airport runs to long drives to holiday destinations. But as more people take to the roads during the warmer months, drivers can face an often-overlooked risk: fatigue.
In 2024, 41% of fatal and serious injury collisions where driver fatigue was identified as a contributory factor happened between May and August. Most worryingly, in July and August, 67% of these collisions took place overnight (between 7pm and 7am) - the same hours that 60% of road-users who plan to travel outside of their normal routine, will be on the roads this summer.
These figures highlight an important message about journey preparation. You need to ensure your vehicle is road-ready, tyres are inflated correctly and have enough tread depth, and you’ve packed everything you need. You also need to make sure you’ve planned your rest stops and you're fit to drive.
Why fatigue is so dangerous
Tiredness can be difficult to spot.
Professor John Groeger at Nottingham Trent University compares fatigue to dehydration. Often, we do not realise we're dehydrated until it is too late, and fatigue can work in much the same way.
By the time you notice you're feeling tired, your concentration, reaction times and decision-making ability may already be impaired.
That’s why drivers need to manage fatigue proactively, taking regular breaks (at least 15 minutes every 2 hours), and resting before tiredness becomes a risk behind the wheel.
For more information about this important topic, read our How to avoid driving tired blog.
How to prepare for a long journey – T.R.I.P.
To help you remember everything, use our easy T.R.I.P. checklist.
Top up
Fill up with fuel or make sure your vehicle is charged if you’re travelling in an electric vehicle. Check the oil, coolant and brake fluid levels and top up the screen wash.
- Before setting out, check your fuel levels: make sure you have enough to get to your destination or know where you can stop to fill up.
- Check your oil, coolant and brake fluid levels: use the dipstick and level markers to check and top up if required.
- Check your screen wash is topped up so you can clear any debris or dirt off your windscreen to ensure you have good visibility.
You can learn more by watching this Youtube video showing how to check and top up your fuel or charge.
You can also find out more by reading our vehicle walkaround checks blog. For a fuller exploration of vehicle maintenance, managing fatigue and many other important topics, visit the Safe Driving for Life shop and get a copy of The Official DVSA Guide to Driving – the essential skills.
Rest
Plan to take a break of at least 15 minutes every 2 hours.
- Think about your sleep, rest and overall readiness in the days leading up to the journey.
- You should avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol the day before travelling as this can disrupt your sleep quality and reduce your alertness the following day.
Watch this Youtube video about planning rest stops on your journey.
Inspect
Check your tyres’ tread and pressure.
- Before you leave, allow time to check your tyre treads - and get the tyres replaced if there’s less than 1.6mm of tread (the legal minimum).
- You should check your tyres’ pressure and ensure they’re inflated correctly for the load you’re carrying.
- You also need to check the condition and age of your tyres. You should look around each tyre to make sure they do not have any cuts, bulges or other damage to the tyre walls.
Check all of your tyres, including the spare.
This Youtube video shows how to easily check your tyre tread.
Prepare
Make sure you’re ready for the weather.
- Check the weather forecast and allow extra travel time if conditions are likely to affect your journey. If you can, adjust your travel to avoid the hottest days and times of the day.
- To lessen the chances of getting lost or stuck in traffic, plan your route before setting off and allow plenty of time.
- You should also pack a summer kit, including essential items such as
- plenty of drinking water
- snacks that will not be affected by the heat
- a fully charged mobile phone and charger
- a hat and sunglasses
- sun cream
- any emergency medication you may need.
You can watch this Youtube video about preparing for weather on your journey.
You can also learn more by reading our seven tips for safe driving in summer blog.
Do not T.R.I.P. up…
Whether you're heading off on holiday or visiting family, a little preparation can go a long way.
By managing fatigue and following the T.R.I.P. guidance, you can help keep yourself, your passengers and other road users safer throughout the summer months.
