Departure for the holidays. How to get to your destination safely?

For drivers, winter holidays are a period of family trips to the mountains, skiing or relaxation. Trips that fall in the winter involve difficult road conditions, which means that the car needs to be well prepared for such a trip. A properly planned trip, safety and a fully serviceable car can save us from unwanted situations on the road.

Preparing for the trip

– Before setting out on a long journey, make sure that, above all, the steering and braking systems are in good working order. It is worth going to a technical inspection of the car to make sure that the condition of our car will allow you to travel safely, says Zbigniew Veseli, Director of the Renault Driving School.

In addition to checking the technical condition of the car, do not forget about such a simple thing as checking the weather forecast before leaving. Thanks to this, we will be able to prepare for frost, rain, gusty winds or snowstorms. Knowing in advance the weather conditions that may occur on the route, we can take with us the most necessary tools in such conditions - a scraper, brush, winter washer fluid or, in case of heavy snow in the mountains, wheel chains. Driving carefully and carefully means a longer journey, so let's plan more time to get to our destination safely.

See also: Safe driving. What is it about?

How to get?

The most important rule when traveling in winter is to adjust your speed according to the surface conditions. Due to the frequent icing, frost and therefore the risk of skidding, it is important to maintain an appropriate distance from the vehicle in front, remembering that the braking distance on an icy surface is several times longer than on a dry one. In case of very difficult conditions, such as a snowstorm, it is worth pausing the trip or, if you are already on your way, stop until the weather improves.

– It is equally important not to drive when we are tired. Our concentration is much worse and our reactions are slowed down. In addition, we run the risk of falling asleep at the wheel, which can end tragically. That is why it is worth remembering about regular stops and taking a 2-minute break at least once every 15 hours, say the coaches of the Renault Safe Driving School.

Smart packaging

Luggage has its place in the trunk, so be sure to put as few things as possible in the passenger compartment. Always securely zip up your luggage so that it does not move around in the trunk while driving. At the bottom, place the largest luggage first, and gradually smaller bags on them, remembering not to block the view to the rear window. When transporting skis and snowboards, it is worth remembering that the safest way is to securely fasten them to the roof of the car.