Staying safe on your NC500 road trip

The North Coast 500 is one of the world’s best road trips. Covering 516 miles of stunning scenery along some of the Scottish Highland’s most rural roads means that there is plenty for everyone to enjoy. However, whether this is your first road trip or you are a seasoned traveller, there are a few things to keep in mind while you drive.

Road safety

Collisions on Scottish roads is a major cause of concern for police, locals and the government, with 3 people dying and 38 seriously injured every week in Scotland. Due to the NC500’s popularity, you are likely to come across a number of other tourists during your trip including buses, pedestrians and camper vans. The route also has a number of single track roads which may be challenging for those who are not used to them, with designated passing places to facilitate safe passing and overtaking.

To avoid collisions as much as possible you should be aware of the rules of the road and never drive if you are feeling tired or fatigued. Fatigue is estimated to factor in up to 20% of road collisions so proper planning for overnight stays and rest breaks is essential to keep yourself safe. If you do have an accident while you are travelling, you may be able to make a claim. As such, be sure to have all of your insurance documents with you at all times, as well as any other legal documents such as your driver’s license.

Car checks

Before heading off on any long drive, you should make all of the necessary car checks to ensure that you car is in safe and working order. These include, but are not limited to, checking the tread of your tyres and the tyre pressure, topping up your screen wash and having working windscreen wipers, changing the bulbs for your lights if necessary and checking the oil and engine coolant levels of your vehicle.

If you are travelling during winter, it may be recommended to swap out your regular tyres for winter or snow tyres. These have a higher rubber content which results in better handling and shorter braking distances in cold conditions which improves safety.

Due to the long distance that you will be covering on your road trip, packing emergency supplies in case of a breakdown is a good idea. You may consider bringing a red warning triangle, a high-vis jacket, a jump start cable and a torch, just in case.

Weather

This is particularly important if you are heading off on the NC500 during winter as the Scottish weather can result in heavy snow which could leave you stranded. It is important to check the weather forecast before you head off so that you can postpone your trip if necessary due to dangerous weather.

If you are travelling during winter, ensure that your car is stocked up with food and drink as well as warm clothes. During the winter months, many eateries close or reduce their hours so it is key to have everything you need in case of a breakdown or if you are unable to find a local shop open for business.