The highways will soon be full again. Because the start of the vacations in North Rhine-Westphalia is just around the corner.

With mutual consideration, understanding and tolerance, you will reach your destination safely. Here are also a few dos and don'ts for a safe journey.

Dos:

• Check technology and tire pressure (for all vehicles including ferry bikes and caravans)
• Stow the load safely - the warning triangle and first aid kit must be easily accessible. In addition, the load should not be able to fly around freely in the driver's compartment in the event of an accident, because then it becomes a dangerous projectile.
• Switch on the traffic warning radio, use the hazard warning lights at the end of a traffic jam
• Think of the rescue lane in slow-moving traffic and traffic jams
• In the event of a breakdown, pull over as far to the right of the road as possible; secure the vehicle with a warning triangle (set up at least 100 meters away from the vehicle) and flashing warning lights
• Have provisions (important: sufficient liquid) with you for longer waiting times

Don'ts:

• Distraction by smartphone or everyday activities while driving - are a frequent cause of accidents
• Stress - because this leads to risky driving maneuvers
• Excessive speed - also increases the risk of accidents
• Aggression on the road - only makes it more dangerous and nerve-wracking for everyone
• Warning signs of second sleep - should never be ignored, regardless of timing

How to properly secure people and cargo

• People and animals must always be properly secured. Make sure that the height and distance of the belt is correct and that the headrests are correctly adjusted. Pay particular attention to the prescribed seat for children (observe EU specifications/standard).
• Stow the load in the trunk in a form-fitting manner, with heavy cases at the bottom. If there is a risk of the load shifting or being thrown through the car, it should ideally be secured with straps.
• Before the B, make sure that the first-aid kit, warning triangle and vests are easily and quickly accessible
• When traveling with a motorhome 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 (tip: test weighing). To prevent the caravan from swaying, distribute the load accordingly and secure it against slipping.