As millions of Brits prepare to hit the road this summer for well-earned getaways, a new GRIDSERVE study reveals that embracing breaks could be the key to a safer, more enjoyable journey.
New research reveals that fewer than half of motorists (45%) are aware of a key Highway Code recommendation to take a 15-minute break for every two hours of driving. Encouragingly, EV drivers are leading the way, with nearly two-thirds (63%) aware of the guideline, compared to under half of petrol (46%) and diesel (44%) drivers.
Despite this, half of motorists (50%) admit to pushing on for three hours or more without a stop during a long journey. Of these, nearly half (47%) say they do so because they’re keen to reach their destination faster, while over a third (36%) don’t see the point in stopping unless they feel tired. Another third (34%) are motivated to complete the trip before dark.
However, the risks of skipping breaks are real, with 13% of motorists admitting they’ve had a near miss after nodding off at the wheel, and 6% saying they’ve actually been involved in a crash due to drowsiness. Taking time to pause can make all the difference.
The study also revealed that many drivers say they’d be more likely to take breaks if they were a bit more enjoyable. Scenic locations appeal to over a third (34%) of motorists, while a quarter (25%) long for peace and quiet with no noise at all. And with over half (55%) of drivers planning a long journey in the next month, more than one in three (39%) would be more inclined to stop if the locations felt more relaxing.
Daniel Kunkel, CEO of GRIDSERVE, comments: “We want everyone to enjoy their journey safely, and it’s promising to see that EV drivers are leading the way when it comes to taking adequate breaks. Taking breaks along road journeys doesn’t have to feel like a chore. There are various facilities available alongside motorways, with access to food, drinks, and entertainment.
“GRIDSERVE Electric Highway Super Hubs and Electric Forecourts offer a place for all drivers to not only recharge their vehicles but also themselves. EV drivers’ natural stopping patterns help avoid the dangers that come with the lack of breaks taken. We hope that our charging locations will encourage motorists to take a break and relax before continuing their road trip.”
Road safety expert, Graham Feest, said: “The two-hour mark is when fatigue can start to seriously impact concentration, reaction times, and awareness. Even if you don’t feel tired, your brain is working harder to stay focused, especially on long, monotonous stretches of road. That creeping tiredness can lead to missed signs, slower responses, or even micro-sleeps behind the wheel.
“A short 15-minute stop is the sweet spot, as it gives your mind and body enough time to reset without breaking the flow of your journey. Stretching your legs, getting some fresh air, or having a quick snack or drink can make all the difference. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about arriving safely.”
GRIDSERVE’s nationwide charging network is designed around this insight, creating charging destinations that make every break a chance to recharge both your car and yourself.
This manifests in how drivers are more likely to enjoy taking breaks, with about a third of EV drivers (30%) stating that they enjoy them a lot, compared to just under a fifth (19%) of petrol drivers and over one in ten (14%) diesel drivers.
Notes to Editors / Methodology
- GRIDSERVE commissioned One Poll to survey 2,000 UK adults in 17th – 21st July 2025, which found that 15% of motorists are planning to travel the w/c 4th August
- GRIDSERVE commissioned One Poll to survey 2,000 UK adults in 17th – 21st July 2025
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