Traffic on the roads is already becoming heavier and will grow denser with each passing day as more people set off to visit their families. Naturally, police officers will watch over travellers’ safety every day. However, it is worth preparing properly for the journey ourselves so that we can reach our loved ones without unpleasant surprises and spend the holidays peacefully. Let us remember that the safety of our journey largely depends on us.

Crowded car parks outside shopping centres, heavier traffic on the streets, in shops, and the ubiquitous haste visible among people walking along pavements are clear signs that Christmas is approaching. However, these special days for many of us are preceded by a great deal of hectic preparation and shopping, which we often leave until the last minute because of a lack of time.

Unfortunately, haste and absent-mindedness do not promote our safety. If we add the large number of vehicles on the roads and weather conditions that make life difficult for drivers, we have a situation requiring specific action on our part so that we can travel safely during this special period.

Lower Silesian police officers, who take care of the safety of people travelling on the roads of our province every day, remind us of several rules that can minimise the possibility of unpleasant surprises during a journey—whether for pre-Christmas shopping or to distant parts of Poland to visit our loved ones.

Let us remember that the safety of our journey largely depends on us. To reach our holiday gatherings without any problems and return home later, we must properly prepare both our vehicle and ourselves—the drivers—for the journey. How can we do this?

Here are several rules:

  • prepare our car: change to winter tyres (if we have not done so yet), check the lights, windscreen-wiper blades and fluids, which should be suitable for low temperatures,
  • check the necessary documents (driving licence, third-party liability insurance and registration certificate with up-to-date technical inspections); before setting off, plan the route and journey time—remember to take frequent breaks, which will help maintain concentration even during a long journey,
  • always use seat belts and devices for safely transporting children while driving,
  • check the weather forecast—weather conditions have a major impact on our behaviour and that of our vehicle on the road,
  • observe speed limits. In winter, it is particularly important to adjust speed to the prevailing weather and road conditions,
  • set off well rested and, above all, sober,
  • take an ice scraper and snow brush with you; without these accessories, setting off on a journey may prove impossible.

By following the above advice, we increase the likelihood that our journey will proceed without unpleasant surprises and that the holidays can be peaceful, family-oriented and, above all, safe.