If you are going on vacation by car, please drive carefully. Experience has shown that there should be no shortage of vehicles on the roads, especially at the start of the vacations. Please take note of the following information before starting your journey.
Technical check:
- Carry out an all-round check of your vehicle (oil level, operating fluids, air pressure, lights, etc.) and, if necessary, the trailer/caravan too.
- Caravans in particular can easily be incorrectly loaded or overloaded. If you are unsure about the payload, carry out a check weighing in advance.
Check your equipment:
- Are the warning triangle, first aid kit and high-visibility vest(s) in the correct condition and available in sufficient quantity? Have the regulations for a possible trip abroad been checked? Please check that all the necessary equipment is present so that you are well equipped in an emergency.
- Do the other items of equipment, such as roof box or rear carrier, comply with the regulations? When transporting pedelecs and e-bikes, please make absolutely sure that the bike carriers are designed for the weight! For pets, also take the prescribed safety elements into account.
Check the route:
- Inform yourself in good time about the volume of traffic on the planned route, also think about roadworks and increased risk of traffic jams on your route.
- Plan sufficient breaks and, if you are traveling with children, find out in advance about rest stops with safe areas for playing and exercising.
Loading the vehicle:
- When loading, all objects must be secured in such a way that nothing can slip or fall during the journey. Remember that even supposedly light objects can become projectiles in the event of emergency braking or an accident.
- Pack the suitcases tightly and secure the load with a net between the luggage compartment and the passenger compartments if necessary.
- Items that are needed in the event of a traffic accident, such as the warning triangle, first aid kit and high-visibility vests, should always be within easy reach.
Here we go - What do I have to consider when driving?
- Check the traffic situation on the route before setting off. Leave the traffic warning radio switched on
- Secure all persons, pets and your luggage properly.
- Navi or cell phone should be placed in the holder before starting the journey, then "hands off"!
- Adapt your speed to the volume of traffic. The recommended speed of 130 kilometers per hour is an optimum cruising speed on open stretches of road and in good weather conditions.
- Drive with foresight and remain calm even in stressful situations.
- Obey the regulations on forming an emergency lane if a traffic jam forms or traffic comes to a standstill.
- In the event of a breakdown or accident, secure your vehicle and get behind the crash barrier with all vehicle occupants. Wait there for the breakdown service or the emergency services to arrive.