AIBU to ask how long is safe to drive on a motorway without a break?

[Blues321]

How long would you feel is a safe time to drive on a motorway without a break?

I appreciate it's different person-to-person but on average, what is a safe time limit.

Sparked by a discussion on a long motorway journey!

We have often driven from London to Cornwall and know the road well. We have our usual motorway services that we always stop at - the same ones every time. Not sure how long between services in hours as of course it depends on the traffic flow. We tend to stop for coffee, then for lunch and then push on for however long it takes. Once past Exeter and off the motorway there are less places to stop anyway. With 2 drivers there is also always the option to share the load if necessary.

I'm with your DBIL but my limiting factor is the size of my petrol tank. I'd generally try to do 4ish hours but I top up with petrol regularly (and go to the loo while I'm at it).

I drive from Basingstoke to Newcastle (upon Tyne) and back three days laters every month and stop at Leicester services most times. It's approx two hours from leaving and three from home and works really well. I have done the whole drive 5-6 hours without stopping when we've left first thing in the morning and felt fine but usually we need the stop due to hunger or popping to the toilet. I'd say typically 4 hours before I would need to stop in average circumstances.

I wouldn't do more than 2 hours without a break I need to stretch my legs and use the loo. When dd had an insurance black box she got penalized for doing 2hr 5 minutes. Son in law drives alot and trains emergency services drivers and he insists a break is needed every 2 -3 hours

I regularly used to do a 300 mile journey due to LDR - it was nearly all motorway
At quiet times I would do it in one go - if busy or hold ups I would stop half way
Now I’m older I usually stop for a drink and toilet stop after 2 hours 3 would be maximum

This.

just wish there was another one much further south for the return journey

I've done a push-through 5 hour drive before now. Depends on how I'm feeling.

It’s so risky to drive as long as that. There’s no way the concentration doesn’t wane.

Every two hours - dog's and my bladder needs and with a leccy car can stick a few dozen miles on in the meantime.

Not very long for me - as long as my bladder will hold out!! Usually a couple of hours max.

I get tired at the 3 hour mark