Thursday, 17 April 2014

Stuck in Traffic


So today's post isn't going to be so lifestyle related as it will be informative, but I've got some information and youz better listen, yeah?!

Yesterday, I was in the unfortunate situation, that we will all find ourselves in at one point or another, where I was stuck in traffic. 

Sometimes, it's not so bad; it's the kind of traffic that moves snail-speed, but at least you know you're getting somewhere. This was not that kind of traffic jam. I was stuck standstill. Sadly, there had been an incident involving two lorries and a car. My heart goes out to everyone who was involved and I hope everyone was ok. The accident happened around 10:30am, and the motorway didn't reopen until 12 hours later. 

Now, I'm writing this post to make sure that you don't do what I did. 

I left the house at around 9am, I hadn't eaten or drunk anything all morning and I left the house with basically my purse and phone. I simply assumed I would have a nice quick journey from Brighton to Kent with no delays. However where I got stuck was literally 10 minutes from my home, so you can essentially get stuck anywhere.

Here is my handy dandy list of what you should take on a long car journey. By long, I mean anywhere that's thirty minutes or more away from your home, or if you're driving anywhere you're unsure of. 

  • Always take food and water. Water is most important. A great idea is to freeze a bottle overnight before you go, then you will have ice cold water all day, especially in the upcoming summer months. Pack a chocolate bar, some sweets, crisps; essentially any snacks that will give you a boost of energy. 
  • Make sure there's a blanket and pillow in the boot of your car. If you get stuck somewhere overnight, you won't be able to necessarily keep the engine running to heat the car.
  • Take an extra can of petrol. Just in case you're stuck with the engine on. See above bullet point. Also make sure the car is full before you leave.
  • Something to *ahem* go in. It's all well and good if you're stuck by a load of bushes, but on some motorways there is literally nowhere to hide. This includes toilet paper and hand sanitiser. 
  • A satnav (or a map, if you're old school), in case you get diverted. 
  • A mini first aid kit, containing plasters, common illness medicines and sun lotion. 


In short, assume that when you go on a long journey, you may have to live on that long journey for a while. It's better to be safe than sorry; believe me I found that out the hard way when I was sitting for two hours with no water. 

I was very lucky in that the police came to the rescue and opened a road just off the motorway, so we could get off. This was only 100 yards or so behind me, so I escaped relatively quickly. 

It was still very irresponsible to not be more prepared, so learn from my mistakes ya wee bunny rabbits. Sitting in a car for that long has clearly warped my brain a little. Apologies. 
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6 comments

  1. This is such good advice! When I had a car I used to travel about with weird things I'd hoarded like a tennis racket and some wellie boots. Not practical!

    Chloe x
    newgirlintoon.co.uk

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    1. Haha I literally was sitting there the whole time with That's What I Call Disney on repeat. It was my only tool.
      xx

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  2. I've nominated your for a Liebster Award! :)
    Read my post for rules and what to do:
    Liebster Award Nomination

    Thanks :)
    x

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  3. Such great tips and advice!! The food and water is sooo true!! During the winter I also always have an extra set of hat, gloves and scarf in my car too incase I leave without them!

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    1. Definitely! It's always good to be prepared :D x

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