When making a road journey, whether it’s for business or pleasure, your chances of arriving

safely are greatly increased by careful planning. Fail to plan adequately and your chances of
being involved in an incident will increase.

A Journey Management Plan is typically a set process that you follow for planning and
undertaking road transport journeys in compliance with HSSE requirements, with the goal of
arriving safely. Every country and company will operate different standards but as a general
rule, it is wise to put in place a Journey Management Plan for trips of more than 4.5 hours.

Top Tips
Schedule your journey carefully to avoid night driving and those times of day when falling
asleep is most likely (2am – 6am)
Take into account road hazards and weather conditions
Adhere to the legal restrictions on driving times and distances
Plan when and where to take rests
Allow for unexpected delays
Take plenty of drinks with you so that you stay hydrated
Know what to do in case of an emergency

Fatigue is one of the most obvious consequences of poor journey planning and is a major
contributing factor in road traffic incidents. A good Journey Management Plan will take into
account all the factors that will minimise your chances of feeling sleepy whilst driving. Check
out our hints and tips on fatigue.

Simple steps to safety

Consider each element of your journey before you set off:

Define your route

Make sure you can stay in communication
Plan your rest periods and locations
Think about the timing of your journey and how busy roads will be
Identify black spots/route hazardous spots
Consider the route options – different types of roads
Check the road and weather conditions
Identify high risk locations such as schools
Personal welfare – keep hydrated with non-caffeine drinks
Time your journey and allow extra time to account of unexpected delays

Take steps before you take to the road

Particularly if you are a professional driver, it is your responsibility to stay safe:

If your trip is more than 4.5 hours, you should have a Journey Management Plan
Create a Journey Management Plan in conjunction with your Manager
Check the roadworthiness of your vehicle, follow a simple Daily Vehicle Check
Follow the route set out in your Journey Management Plan
Always take breaks in the authorised rest areas
If you have to divert from the route in any way, notify your Manager
Have you got your mobile phone with you? Is it fully charged?

A Good Routine

A good Journey Management Plan is simple to put in place, and should quickly become part of
your everyday routine. The more often you do it, the easier it will be to follow. We automatically
follow many of the journey planning steps, without even thinking about it.

Best Practice
By planning your journey more carefully, you are more likely to stay fresh and vigilant at the
wheel, safeguarding your own safety and the safety of others.

Why limit a Journey Management Plan to work journeys? On family and leisure trips, a few
simple steps could ensure that you and your family arrive alive.