This week marks the beginning of the school summer holidays for many families across England and Wales, bringing the first major surge in holiday traffic onto the country’s roads.
It’s estimated that 14.1 million leisure journeys were made between Friday 17th and Sunday 19th July, making this the second-busiest summer getaway weekend since its records began in 2016.
For fleets, this creates a difficult combination with busier roads, longer and less predictable journey times, more drivers travelling unfamiliar routes and an increased risk of fatigue.
Why Does Summer Traffic Increase Fleet Risk?
Congestion does more than delay deliveries and appointments. It can extend the amount of time drivers spend behind the wheel, disrupt planned rest stops and add pressure to make up lost time later in the day.
Fleet drivers will also be sharing the road with more families heading to airports, ports, holiday parks and coastal destinations. Some will be travelling early in the morning or late at night to avoid traffic, while others may be driving longer distances than they are used to.
That matters because fatigue remains a significant factor in serious road incidents.
National Highways figures show that 20% of fatal and serious injury collisions in which fatigue was identified as a contributory factor occurred during July and August., with 67% of these collisions happening between 7pm and 7am.
The danger is not simply falling asleep at the wheel, because tiredness can reduce concentration, slow reaction times and affect decision-making long before a driver feels unable to continue.
What Precautions Should Fleets Take?
Journey planning should account for summer traffic rather than relying on normal schedules. Drivers need sufficient time to complete routes safely without feeling pressured to skip breaks or recover delays through faster driving.
National Highways recommends planning a break at least every two hours, while opening a window, turning up the radio or relying on caffeine should never be treated as substitutes for stopping and resting.
Fleets should also remind drivers to begin journeys well-rested, avoid overnight or early-morning travel where possible and report tiredness without fear of being blamed for missed timings.
Vehicle preparation matters too…
Before setting off, drivers should check tyres, oil, coolant, screen wash and fuel or battery charge. Carrying drinking water, a charged phone and essential supplies can also make a major difference if a vehicle becomes stuck in prolonged congestion.
The beginning of the school holidays changes road conditions almost immediately.
For fleet managers, the priority should be recognising that normal routes may take longer and ensuring schedules do not encourage drivers to push through fatigue.
With Risk Monitor, fleets can identify higher-risk drivers, keep track of developing concerns and take action before those risks contribute to an incident.
As holiday traffic builds, giving drivers the time, guidance and support to stop when tired is not lost productivity. It is an essential part of keeping people safe.
