The European Championship is over, the vacations are underway. It's getting crowded on the highways. What should you look out for?
Get to your destination safely with our tips.
- F = Bike: Holidays by bike are very popular. Familiarize yourself with the bike or pedelec before setting off. Check the technology and wear a helmet.
- E = Ready for action: If you are riding further away, plan the route and think about provisions
- R = Consideration: Be considerate of other road users and anticipate possible misconduct on their part.
- I = Information: Are you legally up to date?
- E = Arrive rested: Plan breaks and do not overload yourself.
- N = Do not distract: Stay focused while driving. Do not use your smartphone or hold it in your hand.
Secure people and cargo correctly
- People and animals must always be secured properly. Make sure that the seat belt is the correct height and distance apart and that the headrests are correctly adjusted. Pay particular attention to the prescribed seat for children (observe EU regulations/standards).
- Even water bottles and hand luggage can become projectiles at the right speed or in the event of an accident, so they should always be stowed away properly.
- If necessary, separate the cargo area and passenger compartment with a net.
- Stow the load in the trunk in a form-fitting manner, heavy suitcases should be placed at the bottom. If there is a risk of the load slipping or being thrown through the car, it should ideally be secured with straps.
- Fit the bike rack and roof rack properly and check them during breaks. Always adhere to the maximum speed according to the instructions!
- You will find the permissible total weight and the permissible axle load in your vehicle's registration document.
- Before loading, make sure that the first aid kit, warning triangle and vests are easily and quickly accessible.
- When traveling with a camper van or caravan, pay attention to the permissible payload weight! Often the unladen weight is already correspondingly high, so that the permissible total mass is quickly exceeded (if necessary: test weighing). To prevent the caravan from swaying, distribute the load accordingly and secure it against shifting.
Check technology
- Do an all-round check of your vehicle (oil level, operating fluids, air pressure, lighting, etc.) and, if necessary, the trailer/caravan.
- The caravan in particular is easily incorrectly loaded or overloaded. If you are unsure about the payload, carry out a check weighing in advance.
Checking equipment
- Are the warning triangle, first-aid kit and high-visibility vest(s) present and in the correct condition/available in sufficient quantity? Have the regulations for a possible trip abroad been checked? Check in good time whether the equipment is available so that you are well equipped in an emergency.
- Do the other items of equipment, such as roof box, rear carrier, comply with the regulations? When transporting pedelecs and e-bikes, make absolutely sure that the bike carriers are designed for the weight. For pets, also pay attention to the prescribed safety elements.
Plan route
- Inform yourself in good time about the traffic volume on the planned route, also consider 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 areas with safe areas for playing and moving around.
Here we go
- Check the traffic situation on the route before setting off. Keep the traffic warning radio switched on.
- Properly secure all persons, pets and luggage.
- Put the sat nav or cell phone in the holder before driving, then keep your hands off it!
- Adapt your speed to the volume of traffic. The recommended speed of 130 kilometers per hour is considered a good cruising speed on open stretches of road.
- Drive with foresight and stay calm even in stressful situations.
- If you are driving into a traffic jam or traffic is slowing down, observe the regulations on emergency lanes.
- In the event of a breakdown or accident, secure the vehicle and wait with the other occupants behind the crash barrier for the emergency services.
Proper burglary protection, not just during the holidays
We have also summarized information for you on the topic of burglary protection, which should not only be considered during the vacations. Special tips for the vacations in the video.