It’s Festival time of the year, and whilst the focus is on the great time that’s to be had whatever the weather, it’s still wise just to give a few driving safety measures some thought. IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s leading road safety charity has some advice.

Set off early to ensure you don’t get caught up in queues arriving or leaving the festivals. Delays and bad weather can lead to frustration and annoyance not only perhaps from yourself but other road users too.

Getting enough sleep is important, as crashes due to fatigue are very common. No sleep or a few snatched hours in a soaking tent is not the best preparation for a long drive home. If you feel tired then stay for as long as you can to recharge those batteries before you leave.

Of course, Festivals are notorious for more than just the music. But ‘none for the road’ must always apply – at least for the driver. Having a designated driver is one way to handle it, and if that is the case then it’s no drinks for at least 24 hours before you get behind the wheel.

Make sure that when you leave your vehicle, it is secure and locked up. Don’t leave anything of value in view and even cleaning off any Sat Nav ring marks doesn’t take that long and can make your vehicle less of a target.

When packing, pack for the best and for the worst. This doesn’t only mean packing the bikini and the wellies. Make sure that you have some extra clothes and extra food or bottled water. You never know what might happen in the middle of a field in the middle of nowhere – be prepared.

Richard Gladman, Head of Driving and Riding Standards at IAM RoadSmart said: “Festivals are about fun, great music and new experiences. If you can take public transport then do so – festivals often offer bus and rail tickets and free park and ride. If you must drive remember that no matter how great you feel, the law is the law and driving drugged, drunk or tired will ruin everyone’s summer.”