Late May Bank Holiday Traffic: A Practical Safety Checklist for UK Dri

Late May Bank Holiday Traffic: A Practical Safety Checklist for UK Drivers
May 24, 2026

The late May bank holiday is one of the moments when normal driving habits change quickly. More families make leisure trips, major routes become busier, and small vehicle problems can turn into long roadside delays.

Why the bank holiday matters for drivers

RAC reported that almost 19 million people were expected to use UK motorways and major A-roads for leisure trips over the late May bank holiday period, with Friday and Saturday among the busiest travel windows. That makes preparation more important than usual, especially for families and drivers heading to unfamiliar roads.

Bank holiday car safety checklist

  • Check tyre pressure, tread and visible damage before loading the car
  • Top up screenwash and check wipers for clear visibility
  • Check oil and coolant before a longer journey
  • Keep drinking water available in case traffic delays are longer than expected
  • Carry a charged phone, cable and power bank
  • Keep a high-visibility vest and torch close to hand
  • Store a compact window breaker and seatbelt cutter where it can be reached from the seat

Keep emergency items within reach

A car safety kit is more useful when the most important items are easy to reach from the seat. A torch, phone power bank, high-visibility clothing and a compact escape tool should not be buried under luggage in the boot.

A JUFO car window breaker and seatbelt cutter is a compact addition to a bank holiday car kit. The Single Tool suits one vehicle, while the 2 Pack is practical for families who want one tool near the front seats and another near passengers or a second car.

Shop the JUFO Single Tool or choose the JUFO 2 Pack for family cars and multi-car households.

Before the next journey

Check your route, fuel or charge level, tyre condition, coolant, screenwash and weather forecast before setting off. If plans change, update someone who is expecting you and avoid rushing the journey.

Sources: RAC late May bank holiday traffic advice.

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