Arrive(MY) safely at your destination, or how to spend the winter holidays safely

Police officers, as every year, are taking care of the safety of people travelling on Polish roads. Nationwide control and prevention activities called “Safe winter holidays” are under way, supported by the information and education campaign “Arrive(MY) safely at your destination”.

The nationwide information and education campaign “Arrive(MY) safely at your destination” is aimed mainly at vehicle drivers (public and private transport). The preventive activities carried out as part of the campaign are intended to draw drivers’ attention, among other things, to:

• compliance with road traffic regulations (observing speed limits and adjusting speed to road conditions)
• the technical condition of the vehicle
• passenger safety, especially that of children
• their psychophysical condition
• concentration while driving.

At the same time, information and education activities called “Safe PAS(senger)” are being conducted. As part of the campaign, police officers will remind passengers that they are road users and have the right to travel safely both on public and private transport.

Officers will also explain that inappropriate passenger behaviour, such as distracting the driver or provoking violations of regulations, can affect safety while driving.

What is worth knowing?

Private trips (passenger car)

In addition to the driver’s psychophysical condition, compliance with regulations and passenger behaviour, the technical condition of the vehicle has a significant impact on driving safety.

Before setting off, check, among other things:

• the levels of operating fluids, including engine oil, engine coolant and brake fluid
• the windscreen washer-fluid level (it is worth taking a spare container of washer fluid suitable for low temperatures)
• the condition of the windscreen wipers and how they operate
• tyre pressure
• the operation of the vehicle’s external lighting, including the cleanliness of the front and rear headlamp lenses (it is worth carrying a complete set of spare bulbs)
• the operation of the horn
• the vehicle’s mandatory equipment, including whether you have a warning triangle and a working fire extinguisher.

It is worth equipping the vehicle with a tow rope, snow shovel, high-visibility vest, first-aid kit and wheel chains.

It is best to place provisions and items needed during the journey in the vehicle’s storage compartments (“pockets”). Try not to obstruct the driver’s view, for example by placing coats near the rear window. Put larger luggage in the boot, remembering that poorly secured luggage may shift and cause the centre of gravity to change, consequently altering the vehicle’s path. Many people will carry skis on the roof of their car. It is essential to check that they are properly secured.

Let us remember always to follow safety rules and use common sense both while travelling and during winter holidays. All vehicles we use should be operated according to their intended purpose. When enjoying the charms of a winter holiday, we should behave in a way that does not expose anyone to a risk of injury or even loss of life.

In addition, the police advise spending literally a dozen or so minutes before departure reading the Road Traffic Act. This will help refresh your knowledge of traffic regulations, learn about changes and, above all, encourage reflection, which will undoubtedly be useful before travelling.

When going on a winter holiday, drivers should also take care of themselves and, above all, rest before setting out. If possible, begin the journey at times when your body is accustomed to being active, preferably before rush hour begins.

While driving, always pay attention to other road users and maintain a safe distance, especially when roads are slippery and covered with snow. It is better to choose more frequently travelled routes, as this guarantees that they have been cleared of snow and are well prepared for traffic. During the journey, it is also worth checking road reports provided by the media.

Driving in winter is demanding for the driver because difficult road conditions (snow-covered or icy roads) and precipitation (snow and freezing rain) require greater effort and concentration. As a result, drivers become tired more quickly, so more frequent breaks should be taken. An overheated car interior can also be tiring and may further increase drowsiness, so remember to ventilate the vehicle when stopping.

How to be a responsible passenger?

• do not insist on playing loud music in the car
• do not smoke in the car if this may cause the driver discomfort
• do not agree, for example, to hold the steering wheel while the car is moving
• do not distract the driver (do not “keep talking”, and do not start an argument with the driver while driving)
• do not allow the driver to use a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free kit
• do not persuade the driver to perform any manoeuvre about which they themselves have doubts
• react to speeding
• do not get into a car with a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants—prevent them from driving any further.

What about safe group trips?

• a vehicle transporting an organised group of children and young people under 18 must be marked at the front and rear with yellow plates bearing a black child symbol. The driver must switch on the hazard lights while the children are boarding or leaving the vehicle
• when transporting passengers, a coach driver may not smoke or eat; they are also prohibited from leaving the vehicle while its engine is running
• coach stops should be arranged in designated places, preferably in marked car parks. Children should be warned that vehicles also move in car parks: cars approach and drivers perform manoeuvres, such as reversing
• passengers should not board or leave the coach on the road side, nor should they step onto the road from behind the vehicle
• trip supervisors share responsibility for the safety of the children being transported. If a coach driver violates safety rules (exceeds the permitted speed, talks on a mobile phone without a hands-free kit, etc.), they should be firmly admonished
• every coach should be equipped with a first-aid kit
• the coach driver is required to comply with regulations concerning drivers’ working hours.

How to make a coach journey safe?

• before the coach sets off, the trip supervisor should discuss safe travel rules with the children (boarding and leaving the vehicle, behaviour on the coach and behaviour during stops)
• if the coach is equipped with seat belts, both the driver and the travellers must fasten them
• the coach driver must inform the people being transported that seat belts must be used, unless the group has been informed of this by the trip leader. Information about the obligation to fasten seat belts may also be provided via an audiovisual device or a sign placed visibly next to every seat
• while travelling, children should not walk around inside the vehicle, lean out of the windows, stand on the seats or lean against the doors. Such behaviour is not only dangerous but also distracts the driver
• the aisles of the coach must remain clear to enable the vehicle to be evacuated quickly in an emergency (all luggage should be placed on the racks or in the luggage compartment)
• adults should occupy the seats next to the doors.

What should you do in the event of a road accident?

The driver is obliged to:

• stop the vehicle without creating a danger to road traffic safety
• take appropriate measures to ensure traffic safety at the accident scene
• immediately remove the vehicle from the accident scene so that it does not pose a danger or obstruct traffic, provided that no one has been killed or injured
• provide their personal details, the personal details of the vehicle’s owner or holder, and information about the insurance company with which the compulsory third-party liability insurance contract was concluded, at the request of a person involved in the accident.

What if someone is killed or injured in the accident?

The driver is additionally obliged to:

• provide the accident victims with necessary assistance and call the emergency medical team and the Police
• refrain from taking actions that could make it more difficult to establish how the accident occurred
• remain at the accident scene, and if calling the emergency medical team or the Police requires leaving it, return there immediately.

When you notice a road incident and assistance is being provided at the scene, continue driving cautiously—do not block the road. Remember to carry out all actions thoughtfully and without unnecessary emotion.

With good preparation, caution and sound judgement, travelling by car can be a pleasant experience and an excellent way to reach your favourite winter holiday destinations.