All I want for Christmas is........a peaceful car journey

FAMILIES across Lancashire who are setting off on a festive trip this December are being given tips on how to keep their journeys jolly.

Lancashire County Council's Road Safety Group has put together the advice to help keep the festive cheer alive, even after a long car ride.

Deputy Group Manager Clare Farrer said: 'December is a really hectic time of year with many people going away to visit family or friends. With tired and bored children in the back seat many drivers may find it hard to concentrate on the roads. However, there are lots of simple things you can do to make the journey as safe and comfortable as possible.'  

Follow these top tips to help your family have a safe and stress-free journey:

·        Plan a fifteen-minute break every two hours. Let the little ones get out and run off some of their energy. The break will also help you stay alert and have a rest from the roads. Better still, find something worth visiting along your route and make it a focus of the journey.

·        Answer that "are we nearly there yet?" question exactly. Rather than replying "soon" try to give your child a more precise answer. You can give older children a map to follow the way and point out towns or look out for special landmarks on the way.

·        Pack some of your children's favourite games or books to keep them happy. If there isn't room to pack anything extra play some Christmas themed road games. For example, give a prize to the first child who spots a white Christmas tree or an inflatable Santa.

·        Make sure your children are comfortable in the car. Check that they are not too hot or cold and they aren't exposed to direct sunlight. Make sure that they are dressed comfortably for the journey.

·        You may also want to think about getting your CDs loaded and your radio tuned, so you can listen to your favourite tracks without having to fiddle with the audio equipment whilst you are driving.  You could even let the kids treat you to a Christmas carol concert.

The Road Safety Group has some children's Car Bingo games, kindly donated by Cox and Cox, to giveaway. Simply answer the following questions:

What vehicle does Father Christmas use to deliver his presents?

a)    A motorbike

b)    A sleigh

c)    A sports car

Send your answer, along with your name, address, daytime contact number to `car bingo comp', Road Safety Group, Guild House, Cross Street, Preston FREEPOST PR 844 or email roadsafety@lancashire.gov.uk  

Closing date: 18 December

For more information about Cox and Cox visit: www.coxandcox.co.uk