Reduce speed (1/10)

Speed influences both the risk of a crash and its consequences. At 35mph (56km/h) you are twice as likely to kill someone you hit as at 30mph (48km/h). In Europe alone, driving according to speed limits and wearing seat belts could save about 12,000 lives and prevent 180,000 injuries per year.

There are a variety of ways to reduce vehicle speeds, including legislation, road design, and stricter enforcement (e.g. speed cameras). One innovative idea is Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA), a system in which the vehicle 'knows' the speed limit for the road it is driving on, and activates visual and audio signals if speeds are exceeded.

A three-year ISA project was carried out in Sweden, with various systems installed in 5000 cars, buses and trucks. The Swedish National Road Administration reported a high level of driver acceptance of the devices, suggesting that they could reduce crash injuries by 20% to 30% in urban areas.

Wear a seatbelt (2/10)

Today, you are half as likely to be killed in a car crash as 30 years ago. Various improved safety features such as airbags and advanced electronics help to keep you safe in your car.

Probably the best safety device ever developed, however, is the seat belt: it can reduce the risk of death in the event of a crash by up to 60%.

The introduction of mandatory seat belt laws in many countries has increased their usage; the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in the UK, usage of the front seat belt increased from 37% to 95% after the introduction of compulsory use, followed by a reduction of 35% in hospital admissions for road traffic injuries. Unfortunately, up to 50% of cars in developing countries may lack functioning seat belts.

Use child safety seats (3/10)

The use of child safety seats has been shown to reduce the risk of vehicle deaths by 71% in young children, and by 54% for children ages one to four years, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Cost and availability can be barriers to using child safety seats in developing countries, while even in high-income countries, use can be limited; a CDC study in the US found that in one year, more than 618,000 children ages 0-12 rode in vehicles without the use of a child safety seat or booster seat or a seat belt at least some of the time.

Wear a helmet (4/10)

For cyclists, helmets are the most effective protection in the event of an accident: they reduce the risk of head and brain injuries by up to 88%. Some countries have made bicycle helmets mandatory. In countries where helmet wearing is not regulated by law, the wearing rate is generally less than 10%.

Helmets are also hugely important for motorcyclists, especially in developing countries where motorcycle usage is very high and helmet usage is low. For example, in Thailand, in the year following the enforcement of a law on wearing helmets, their use increased five-fold, while motorcycle head injuries decreased by 41% and deaths by 21%, according to research cited by the WHO.

Driverless cars (5/10)

Human error is the top cause of road accidents. If you remove that variable, our roads could potentially be a lot safer – which is why researchers and engineers are perfecting designs for cars that drive themselves. Computer-steered vehicles could improve traffic flows, reduce accidents, and increase fuel efficiency.

The Importance of Education, Information, and Publicity: Raise Awareness (6/10)

According to the UK Department of Transport, you are four times as likely to crash when using a mobile phone while driving. This poster is only a small part of the bigger campaign ‘THINK!’ that was launched by the UK Government to improve road user behavior.

Increase visibility (7/10)

Many crashes result from road users failing to see each other. Poor visibility is a serious problem in low-income and middle-income countries, where roads are often badly lit at night and motorized traffic is not separated from cyclists and pedestrians.

The WHO recommends enforcing daytime running lights for motorcyclists, which reduces visibility-related crashes by up to 15 percent. Furthermore, cyclists should protect themselves by wearing bright, reflecting clothing that increases their visibility in poor daylight and in darkness. Cyclists should use front, rear and wheel reflectors, and bicycle lamps.

Enforce drink driving laws (8/10)

Zero tolerance for drink-driving offenders helps reduce traffic injuries. Cutting the legal blood-alcohol level from 0.10 percent to 0.05 percent reduces the risk of a crash by two thirds.

The level of enforcement of drink-driving laws has a direct effect on the incidence of drinking and driving, according to the WHO, which cites random breath testing as one of the most effective deterrents.

Improve roads and infrastructure (9/10)

Modern road traffic systems and roadside design can significantly reduce injury in the event of an accident. Roundabouts, for example, can reduce collisions by up to 40% and serious injuries and fatalities by up to 90%. Other potential improvements are controlled crossings for pedestrians, rumble strips and adequate street lighting.

Separating road users using sidewalks, crosswalks for pedestrians, and separate traffic lanes are effective approaches to improve the most vulnerable road user's safety.

Driver assistance systems (10/10)

Automakers continue to develop intuitive integrated safety features that can help mitigate some of the most common driving risks. In addition to existing features like seatbelts, cruise control and airbags, more sophisticated technology like motion sensors and alcohol detectors, even vehicles that can communicate with one another, are the wave of the future in road safety.

Towards a European road safety area

National road safety strategies and action plans

European Road Safety Charter

European Road Safety Observatory

Drive

1. Don't use your mobile phone whilst driving Making or receiving a call, even using a 'hands free' phone, can distract your attention from driving and could lead to an accident.

2. Belt up in the back in a collision, an unbelted rear passenger can kill or seriously injure the driver or a front seat passenger.

3. Don't drink and drive any alcohol, even a small amount , can impair your driving so be a safe driver don't drive and drive.

4. Slow down at 35mph you are twice as likely to kill a pedestrian than at 30mph.

5. Children often act impulsively, take extra care outside schools, near buses and ice cream vans when they might be around.

6. Take a break tiredness is thought to be a major factor in more than 10% of road accidents. Plan to stop for at least a 15 minute break every 2 hours on a long journey.

7. Walk safely when crossing a road always use a pedestrian crossing if there is one nearby. Help others to see you by wearing fluorescent or reflective clothing in poor light conditions.

8. Anticipate observe and anticipate other road users and use your mirrors regularly.

9. Use car seats child and baby seats should be fitted properly and checked every trip.

10.Keep your distance always keep a two second gap between you and the car in front

In association with BRAKE www.brake.org.uk

Transport of dangerous goods needs to be regulated in order to prevent, as far as possible, accidents to persons or property and damage to the environment, the means of transport employed or to other goods. However, with different regulations in every country and for different modes of transport, international trade in chemicals and dangerous products would be seriously impeded, if not made impossible and unsafe. Moreover, dangerous goods are also subject to other kinds of regulations, e.g. work safety regulations, consumer protection regulations, storage regulations, environment protection regulations.

In order to ensure consistency between all these regulatory systems, the United Nations has developed mechanisms for the harmonization of hazard classification criteria and hazard communication tools (GHS) as well as for transport conditions for all modes for transport (TDG). In addition, the UNECE administers regional agreements that ensure the effective implementation of these mechanisms as far as transport of dangerous goods by road, rail and inland waterways is concerned.

Road safety

Road safety and traffic rules differ within the EU. Find out what the various country-specific rules are. For example:

Seat belts must be worn in all vehicles including tourist coaches and minibuses in all EU countries;
Children must have appropriate child restraints in cars/lorries and, where possible in other vehicles;
Using a mobile phone without a hands-free set while driving is forbidden in most EU countries;
The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies: some countries do not allow any alcohol in the blood while driving;
Different speed limits apply to different types of roads and vehicles;
Different safety equipment is required both in cars and for cyclists;
In some countries, the use of daytime running lights and/or winter tyres is mandatory;
Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom.

The EU has taken measures to improve road safety including clamping down on traffic offences committed in another EU country (except in Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland where the rules do not yet apply). This means that if you commit a driving offence when in another country, you could find yourself receiving the fine by post at home!

Download the "Going Abroad" app and get important road safety information for all EU countries wherever you are.

Make sure that you have valid and adequate insurance cover which extends to travelling in other EU countries.

See also:

Car rental abroad

Booking ahead

If you have booked a car online, by phone or mail order in the EU, you do not automatically have the right to cancel and claim a refund, although the car hire company's terms and conditions may allow it.

Car hire is not covered by EU rules entitling you to a 14-day "cooling off" period when you order goods and services online, by phone or mail order.

Renting a car in a non-EU country

If you live in the EU and you rent a car in a non-EU country, such as Switzerland, special rules apply when driving it in EU countries.

If you plan to travel with your rental car both in EU and non-EU countries – for example from Switzerland to France, Germany, Austria or Italy – you need to tell the rental company in advance. They can provide you with an EU-registered car in order to comply with EU customs laws. Most car rental companies in Switzerland provide cars with EU number plates for EU residents in order to comply with EU customs rules, but you should check with your car rental company.

The car rental company must also ensure that the car complies with customs and traffic rules of the country where you will travel. For example, in France cars need to carry a mandatory breathalyser test, while in Germany and Austria winter tyres are required during certain months of the year.

Leasing a car

Leasing - a long-term rental with the option of buying the car at the end of the contract - may be difficult if you plan to move to another country with the leased car.

Because you are obliged to insure and register the car in your country of residence, you may encounter problems if your insurance is not valid in the country you want to move to.

Leasers may also be reluctant to agree to your registering the car in another EU country.

Driving licence validity

If you are planning to rent and drive a car in another EU country, you will also need to check that your driving licence is valid there.

Here is collection of some road traffic slogans:

Alert today – Alive tomorrow.
Normal speed meets every need.
Anyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac.
The best drivers are aware that they must be beware
If you know you are driving to your death –would you still drive so fast?
You can’t get home, unless you’re safe.
Night doubles traffic troubles.
Hug your kids at home, but belt them in the car.
Safety is not automatic, think about it.
Leave sooner, drive slower, live longer.
Slow down! Your family will be waiting for you.
Anyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac.
Stop accidents before they stop you.
Drive as if every child on the street were you own.
Road sense is the offspring of courtesy and the parent of safety
The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror with a cop in it.
Safe Driving, Saves Lives.
Life don’t have Reset button. Drive safe.
Shining Bright Lights at each other is not Road Safety.
Follow traffic rules, save your future
Better Late than Never!
Better be Mister Late than to be Late Mister
Mountains are pleasure if you drive with leisure
Stop accidents before they stop you!!
Drive with reason this holiday season.
Speed thrills but kills!
Look every way every day!
If you know you are driving to your death –would you still drive so fast?
While driving avoid phone or else your family will be left alone
Be alert! Accidents hurt.
Prepare and prevent, don’t repair and repent.
Have another day
Don’t watch her behind. Keep safety in mind!
Stay Alive – Think and Drive.
A driving tip for the day – yield the right of way.
Reckless driving just may be your ticket to some place out of this world!
Hit and run was meant for the ball field.
Driving like there’s no tomorrow is likely to produce that result.
Safety starts with “S”, begins with “You”
Drive safety rules are your best tools
Driving faster can cause disaster.
Drive like hell and you will be there.
Know road safety, No injury. No road safety, Know injury.
Road safety is a state of mind, accident is an absence of mind.
Your destination is reward for safe driving.
Follow traffic rules, save your future.
Everything comes your way, if you are in the wrong lane.
Drive, don’t fly
Road safety is a cheaper & effective insurance.
Accidents do not happen, they are caused.
Do not use cell phone while driving
Do not mix drinking and driving
Fast drive could be Last drive
Ice & Snow – Take it slow
Donate Blood!! But not on roads! added by Amit kumar Joshi
If u dont have traffic sense You will find yourself in ambulence added by Yuvraj Walia
To avoid death, use seat belt!
Speed has 5 letters so has death… Slow has 4 letters so has life.

5 simple ways to do your part to reduce traffic

Nobody likes sitting in traffic. We try to find the best ways to avoid it so that we don’t become late to work, miss social events, or become stressed. Also, traffic congestion produces air pollution that negatively affects the environment as it creates serious breathing problems in young children and the elderly. Not to mention, your vehicle is burning up more gas as this will lead you to spend extra cash filling up your tank at the pump.

You can do your part in preserving the environment, saving money in gas costs, and relieving the unwanted stress by reducing the amount of traffic out on the roads. Read these 5 tips to help you reduce vehicle traffic.

Tip #1: Avoid Peak Times

There are certain times of the day when more vehicles are on the roads, usually people heading to work or school in the mornings and people heading home in the evenings. Also known as rush hour traffic, major cities of San Francisco, Miami, Houston, and Seattle all have the highest traffic congestion levels between 56-percent up to 77-percent, according to TomTom North American Congestion Index.

You can cut down on your time spent with your car idling in slow traffic by driving when there are less vehicles out on the road. Try to schedule trips to the bank and errands such as the grocery shopping during afternoon hours — before or after the lunch rush — and later in the evenings after workers get home.

Tip #2: Car Shipping Companies

More people are making cross country moves to obtain better jobs or be closer to family members. If you’re moving yourself and your family, you may be wondering how to get all your vehicles to your new home.

Consider car shipping companies. These businesses will haul all your vehicles on one truck, which uses less fuel and allows you to avoid the headache of sitting in traffic. They will deliver it to your home so you don’t have to worry about having all your family members out on the road driving your vehicles, as they could become lost, stuck in traffic, or involved in an accident.

Tip #3: Carpooling

Sometimes you just can’t avoid the rush hour traffic and the congestion. But you can contribute less traffic on the road by carpooling. Carpooling is a great way to get to and from work. You won’t always have to drive, which reduces stress, and each person can take turns driving. This saves on the wear-and-tear to your vehicle and car maintenance costs. Carpooling also promotes better traffic flow and less air emissions in the environment.

Tip #4: Planning Routes

Before you go on any trip, plan out your route so you can avoid any road construction or other traffic jams.There are numerous apps available for your smartphone that will tell you in real-time about traffic congestion. These apps allow drivers who are actually on the road to send information to other phone users concerning traffic conditions, according to Daily Crowd Source.

Tip #5: Public Transportation

Public transportation can get you to your destination on time while reducing the amount of traffic on the roads. Public transportation drivers are continually updated on road conditions by their dispatch so that if there is an accident, the drivers can adjust their routes to avoid vehicle congestion. It is also cheaper to take public transportation and less stressful as you don’t have to sit in traffic wondering if you will be late for work and you can catch up on reading, social media, or listen to some new music.

Other Ways To Reduce Traffic

These tips are only a few methods that you can use to reduce traffic. There are certainly other ways, such as walking or bicycling, that can also get you to your destination. Share your ideas and these metho

Roll-up (A3)

Leitfaden & Arbeitsblätter:
Fahrradsicherheit für Geflüchtete und Zugewanderte

Hitting the road on your next trip? Whether you're heading to Grandma's with the kids or driving up the coast of Australia, don't leave home without our tried and tested driving tips. Read on to learn more about avoiding traffic, saving money and staying safe (and staying awake!) on your next road trip.

1. Before beginning a long drive, always get enough sleep and eat a snack or meal. Highly caffeinated beverages are not necessarily the best way to stay awake while driving. While initially you will feel more alert, the effects can recede with time, and your attention may wander although you remain awake.

2. Pull over and take breaks every couple of hours, even if you don't feel sleepy. Grab a snack, get some fresh air and stretch your legs by walking around. If you need to, take a quick nap.

3. If you can, share the driving responsibilities with someone else. This will allow you to keep an eye on each other while driving and also enable you to nap without losing time. If you're driving alone, turn on the radio or put on some music, and keep your window cracked open. You may want to refrain from using your cruise control if you're driving alone at night -- having to concentrate on maintaining your speed can help you stay awake.

4. If you do have to pull over, move your vehicle off the road. Never park on the shoulder or in the breakdown lane for any reason except an emergency.

5. Know the laws along your route concerning cell phone use while driving. While it may be legal in one place, it may be illegal in another, and ignorance is not typically an acceptable excuse for a violation. Here's a handy chart of cell phone laws by country and U.S. state (keep in mind that this information can change at any time). However, even if it's legal to talk on a cell phone where you're going, it's usually safest to use a hands-free device.

Car Rental Secrets We Bet You Don't Know

6. If you don't know this one, shame on you. Never drink any alcohol before your trip. While you may not become intoxicated from one beer, you will become sleepy.

7. Keep an eye on the skies, and if you can, plan a route around inclement weather. A minor detour could actually wind up saving you major time.

8. Use a smartphone app such as Waze or Google Maps to guide you around traffic jams.

9. Not even a GPS app is infallible, especially in remote areas, so we recommend bringing a detailed map or road atlas as a backup just in case.

10. If you are driving a rental vehicle, familiarize yourself with the car and all of its equipment (horn, brakes, hazard lights). For an amusing but true look at this issue, see The First 10 Minutes of Your Car Rental.

11. Lock all of your valuables (especially items that are clearly gifts) in the trunk or glove compartment and stow all luggage in the trunk. For more ideas, see Nine Ways to Keep Your Car Safe on the Road.

12. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, which vary from state to state and especially overseas. Is it legal to make a right turn at a red light? What are the rules on yielding to pedestrians? For more on driving abroad, see International Car Rental Tips.

13. Before setting off on a long car trip, be sure your vehicle is in prime condition -- that tires are properly inflated, all fluids are at their proper levels and you have a full tank of gas. (For particularly long road trips, you may want to have your mechanic do a more thorough check.)

Don't Miss Top Travel Tips -- Sign Up for Our Newsletters

14. Consider becoming a member of AAA or CAA, or signing up for your car insurer's roadside assistance program. You won't regret it when your car breaks down on a lonely back road.

15. Keep costs down by conserving gas as you drive. Minimize sudden starts and stops, empty your car of all unnecessary weight, and slow down -- in most cars it takes much less fuel to drive 55 miles an hour than it does to drive 70. For more ideas, see Save Gas and Money.

16. Don't wait until your gas gauge is sitting on E to refuel. On an unfamiliar road, you never know when the next gas station will appear. As soon as you hit a quarter of a tank, start looking for a place to fill up. (Smartphone apps such as GasBuddy and Gas Guru can help.)

17. When traveling with kids, be sure to stop often -- not just for snacks and potty breaks, but also for fun. See a cool playground along the way? Pull over and throw a Frisbee around. You'll also want to pack toys, books and music for the car -- not to mention your motion sickness remedy of choice. For more ideas, see the car travel section of our sister site, Family Vacation Critic.

18. Feeling munchy? Stock up on snacks and drinks at grocery stores rather than gas stations or convenience stores -- you'll get a wider and healthier selection, as well as better prices. For more advice, see Eating Well and Staying Active While Traveling.

19. On longer trips, keep napkins, plasticware and a small cooler handy for meals on the go. You'll also want some spare change for tolls, as well as a first-aid kit, flashlight, pillow and blanket. Keep a set of jumper cables, a spare tire or donut, and extra fluids for the car (such as windshield wiper fluid) in your trunk.

European Commission - Press release

Road Safety: new statistics call for fresh efforts to save lives on EU roads

Brussels, 31 March 2016

The 2015 road safety statistics published today by the European Commission confirm that European roads remain the safest in the world despite a recent slowdown in reducing road fatalities.

The 2015 road safety statistics published today by the European Commission confirm that European roads remain the safest in the world despite a recent slowdown in reducing road fatalities. 26, 000 people lost their lives on EU roads last year, 5, 500 fewer than in 2010. There is however no improvement at EU level compared to 2014. In addition, the Commission estimates that 135, 000 people were seriously injured on EU roads. The social cost (rehabilitation, healthcare, material damages, etc.) of road fatalities and injuries is estimated to be of at least €100 billion.

EU Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said "Every death or serious injury is one too many. We have achieved impressive results in reducing road fatalities over the last decades but the current stagnation is alarming. If Europe is to reach its objective of halving road fatalities by 2020, much more needs to be done. I invite Member States to step up efforts in terms of enforcement and campaigning. This may have a cost, but it is nothing compared to the €100 billion social cost of road fatalities and injuries. For its part, the Commission will continue to act where it can bring a clear European added-value. Technology and innovation are increasingly shaping the future of road safety. In the medium to long term, connected and automated driving, for instance, has great potential in helping to avoid crashes, and we are working hard to put the right framework in place."

The average EU fatality rate for 2015 was 51.5 road deaths per 1 million inhabitants, similar to the past two years. This slowdown, which follows a significant reduction of 8% in 2012 and 2013, has several contributing factors, such as a higher interaction between unprotected and motorised road users in our cities. Vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.) also account for a large proportion of the 135 000 people the Commission estimateswere injured. This is the first time the Commission publishes such a figure, as EU Member States have started to report comparable and reliable data on serious road traffic injuries. This is the first step towards a European approach to serious injuries.

The country-specific statistics (see below) reveal that the number of road fatalities still varies greatly across the EU, though this gap is becoming smaller every year. Some traditionally well-performing countries recorded less progress while three of the Member States with the highest number of road deaths improved their road safety situation.

Improving EU road safety

In order to reach the EU strategic target of

halving the number of road deaths from 2010 to 2020, additional efforts are needed. Member States are the main actors as most of the day-to-day actions are delivered at national and local level: enforcement of traffic rules, infrastructure development and maintenance but also education and awareness raising campaigns. The European Commission acts where there is a clear EU added-value, for instance through legislation enabling the enforcement of cross-border traffic offences or by setting technical safety standards for infrastructure and vehicles. The Commission actively monitors the situation, stimulates and helps Member States to improve their performance through the exchange of data, knowledge and experience, and by sharing best practices.

Technological breakthroughs in the last decade have greatly improved vehicle safety. The significant advances in innovation and technology have a strong future potential to improve road safety, in particular in the area of vehicle automation and connectivity. To pave the way towards automation and better management of traffic, the Commission aims to develop a master plan on the deployment of cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) – a two-way communication between vehicles, with and between road infrastructure – in the second half of 2016. Such systems allow vehicles to warn each other directly (e.g. in case of emergency breaking) or through the infrastructure (e.g. upcoming road works)

Drug driving

It is against the law to drive under the influence of illegal drugs, or if you have certain drugs above a specified level in your blood.

Similar to drink driving, the police have a roadside test that makes it easier to detect those who are driving under the influence of illegal drugs.

If you are caught and convicted, you could face a driving ban, large fine and a prison sentence.

Changes to the drug driving law

On 2 March 2015, the drug driving law changed to make it easier for the police to catch and convict drug drivers.

It is now an offence to drive with any of 17 controlled drugs above a specified level in your blood. This includes illegal and medical drugs. The limits set for each drug is different, and for illegal drugs the limits set are extremely low, but have been set at a level to rule out any accidental exposure (i.e from passive smoking).

Officers can test for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside, and screen for other drugs, including ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and heroin at the police station. Even drivers that pass the roadside check can be arrested if the police suspect that your driving is impaired by drugs.

More about the drug driving lawOpens new window

The consequences

The penalties for drug driving are the same as for drink driving. If you are convicted you could face:

A minimum 12-month driving ban
A criminal record
An unlimited fine
Up to 6 months in prison
An endorsement on your driving license for 11 years

The consequences of a drug drive conviction are far reaching and can include:

Job loss
Loss of independence
The shame of having a criminal record
Increase in car insurance costs
Trouble getting in to countries like the USA

How drugs impair driving

Driving under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous and can affect driving skills in a number of ways.

Cannabis users often think they are safer when they are under the influence because they drive more slowly. However, cannabis slows reaction and decision times. It can also distort perception of time and distance, and result in poorer concentration and control of the vehicle.

Cocaine leads to a sense of over-confidence and this is reflected in user’s driving style. Users typically perform higher risk, more aggressive manoeuvres at greater speeds.

Ecstasy (MDMA) is extremely dangerous to drive on because it results in distorted vision, heightened perception of sounds, altered perception and judgment of risks and an over-confident driving attitude.

During the phase whilst the effects of any illegal drugs are wearing off the user may feel fatigued, affecting concentration levels.

Driving in any of these conditions is a bad idea – not just for the driver but for their passengers and other road users.

Crash Simulation

What happens if you don't belt-up? Experience the effects on screen so you never have to experience them on the road.

You will need Adobe Flash player to view the crash simulator.

Download the Flash Player from Adobe.com

If you have installed Flash Player and are unable to see the game try clicking the refresh key 'F5'.

How to use the Crash Simulator

Click on 01, 02, or 03 to choose your vehicle type
Click on ‘Number of passengers’ and select the people you want to put in your car
Click on ‘Seating of passengers’ and drag and drop your passengers into your chosen vehicle
Click ‘Safety of passengers’ and decide whether your passengers will belt up or not – click to highlight either the image with a seatbelt, or without
On ‘Speed of vehicle’, drag the speedometer to select your car’s speed
Select ‘Crash simulation’ and watch as your choices are run in the simulation
Now click on the people in the white outline image of the car – see what happened to each passenger
Drag the arrows at the top and bottom of the simulation screen to see an alternative outcome

Drink driving

It's not worth the risk

In the last 50 years road casualties caused by drink driving have fallen dramatically, but in 2014, there were still 240 deaths due to drink driving – accounting for 14% of all road fatalities. By drinking and driving, you risk your life, those of your passengers and others on the road.

THINK! A second drink can double your chance of a fatal collision

Our campaign targets those who still think it’s okay to have ‘a couple’ of drinks before driving.

The campaign provides a positive reason to not drink that second drink if you’re driving – because something even better is happening tomorrow. A second drink doubles your chances of being in a fatal collision and missing out on all of it.

We’re specifically targeting young men as 62% of drink drivers killed on our roads are men.

View 'Brendan'Opens new window

The law

There are strict alcohol limits for UK drivers:

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the legal alcohol limit for drivers is:

35 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath
80 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood
107 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine

In Scotland (from 5 December 2014) the legal alcohol limit for drivers is lower at:

22 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath
50 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood
67 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.

However it is not possible to say how much alcohol you can drink and stay below the limit. The way alcohol affects you depends on:

your weight, age, sex and metabolism (the rate your body uses energy)
the type and amount of alcohol you’re drinking
what you’ve eaten recently
your stress levels at the time

So if you’re driving, it’s better to have none for the road.

The consequences

There are strict penaltiesOpens new window if you are convicted of drink driving, including:

A minimum 12 month driving ban
A criminal record
A hefty fine
Up to 6 months in prison
An endorsement on your licence for 11 years

However, this list does not reflect the everyday consequences of being caught drink driving which can include:

Increase in car insurance costs
Job loss
Trouble getting in to countries like the USA
The shame of having a criminal record
Loss of independence

The Institute of Advanced Motorists calculate that a drink drive conviction could cost between £20,000 - £50,000 as a result of fines, solicitors fees, increase in car insurance and loss of job.

Read about how a drink drive conviction ruined Jeremy’s life Opens new window

Advice

Beware the morning after
You could be over the legal limit many hours after your last drink, even if it's the 'morning after'. Sleep, coffee and cold showers don't help to sober you up -

time is the only way to get alcohol out of your systemOpens new window

There is no excuse for drink driving
"I can handle my drink."

Alcohol affects everybody's driving for the worse. It creates a feeling of overconfidence, makes judging distance and speed more difficult and slows your reactions so it takes longer to stop

"I'm only going down the road."

A large proportion of all drink drive crashes occur within three miles of the start of the journey.

If you're planning to drink alcohol, plan how to get home without driving
Options include agreeing on a designated driver, saving a taxi number to your phone, or finding out about public transport routes and times before you go out.

Don't offer an alcoholic drink to someone you know is planning to drive
Even if you're not driving, you can help reduce the number of people who are killed and injured every year by drink driving.

Don't accept a lift from a driver you know has drunk alcohol

Downloads

You can read the most important information on road transport in Germany here: the basic rules of road transport and detailed information for cyclists.

Both brochures (containing German, English and Arabic language) can be ordered in printed form free of charge from the German Road Council (DVR): germanroadsafety@dvr.de. Further languages will follow.

Beide Broschüren sind derzeit in der Sprachkombination Deutsch/Englisch/Arabisch verfügbar. Sie können in gedruckter Form kostenfrei beim DVR bestellt werden. Weitere Sprachkombinationen folgen.

German – Deutsch
Fahrrad fahren in Deutschland

English – English
Cycling in Germany

French – Français
Rouler à bicyclette en Allemagne

Arabic – العربية
قيادة الدراجة الهوائية
في ألمانيا

German – Deutsch
Unterwegs in Deutschland

English – English
On the roads in Germany –
what do I need to know?

French – Français
En route en Allemagne –
à quoi dois-je faire attention?

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Driving safety tips to avoid accidents

When you’re behind the wheel of a car – whether alone or with passengers – driving safely should always be your top concern. We’re more distracted than ever, so it’s crucial to know the basics of safe driving and practice them every time you’re on the road. Here are some safe driving tips:

Top 4 driving safety tips

1. Focus on driving

Keep 100% of your attention on driving at all times – no multi-tasking.
Don’t use your phone or any other electronic device while driving.
Slow down. Speeding gives you less time to react and increases the severity of an accident.

2. Drive “defensively”

Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing, and expect the unexpected.
Assume other motorists will do something crazy, and always be prepared to avoid it.
Keep a 2-second cushion between you and the car in front of you.
Make that 4 seconds if the weather is bad.

3. Plan ahead

Build time into your trip schedule to stop for food, rest breaks, phone calls or other business.
Adjust your seat, mirrors and climate controls before putting the car in gear.
Pull over to eat or drink. It takes only a few minutes.

4. Practice safety

Secure cargo that may move around while the vehicle is in motion.
Don’t attempt to retrieve items that fall to the floor.
Have items needed within easy reach – such as toll fees, toll cards and garage passes.
Always wear your seat belt and drive sober and drug-free.

More driving safety tips from Nationwide

Don't allow children to fight or climb around in your car – they should be buckled in their seats at all times. Too much noise can easily distract you from focus on the road.
Avoid driving when you're tired. Be aware that some medications cause drowsiness and make operating a vehicle very dangerous. Learn more about drowsy driving.
Always use caution when changing lanes. Cutting in front of someone, changing lanes too fast or not using your signals may cause an accident or upset other drivers.
Be extra careful while driving during deer season.

Common sense about safe driving

What to do after an accident

If you're in an accident, first make sure no one in the car is injured. Next, check on the passengers in the other vehicle, pedestrians and anyone else nearby to make sure they’re OK. Then do these five things:

Stay at the scene. Leaving can result in legal consequences, like fines or additional violations.
Call 911 or the local police immediately. They'll dispatch an officer and medical personnel to the scene of the accident. Once the cops arrive, wait for them to complete an accident report.
If you're on a busy highway, stay inside the car and wait for the police or an ambulance. It's dangerous if passengers stand along a freeway or other road with lots of traffic.
Don't get into an argument or a fight with the other driver. Simply exchange contact and insurance information. If possible, also get the name and phone numbers of witnesses.
Call your insurance provider to report the claim. Your agent will ask you for any paperwork you receive about the accident, and will give you important information on getting your car fixed.

Find out more about what to do after an accident or a hit-and-run.

What to do when pulled over

If you notice that a police car is following you with the lights flashing, pull over to the side of the road safely and quickly. Wait inside your car for the officer to approach, and be prepared to:

Turn on your interior light at night and keep your hands where the officer can see them, preferably on the steering wheel.
Don't reach under your seat or into your glove box. This may cause the officer to think you're reaching for a weapon or hiding something.
Give your license and proof of insurance to the officer if asked. If the officer asks you to step out of your car, do so without sudden or threatening movements.
Stay calm − don't become argumentative, disorderly or abusive − and never attempt to bribe the officer.
If a citation is issued, present your story in traffic court if you feel you’ve been unfairly treated. You may be represented by a lawyer and, if necessary, you'll be heard by a judge or magistrate.

Things to know about speeding & traffic laws

Some roadways are designated as low-speed zones. These include areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as school zones and streets lots of intersections close together. Driving over the speed limit can put you and others at risk of harm.

Never pass a stopped bus displaying a stop sign to its left. That means children are crossing the street.
If you hear a siren coming behind you, pull to the side if you can, stop and wait until the police car or fire truck goes by.
Completely stop at stop signs and look for other drivers and pedestrians before you proceed.
Obey the posted speed limit at all times. Speeding tickets are costly, and penalties for speeding can include fines, court appearances and loss or suspension of your driving privileges. Also, depending on your insurance policy, speeding tickets can raise your rates.
When parking your vehicle, always be mindful of handicapped signs, fire hydrants, bus stop zones, parking restrictions for certain times of day, and parking spots that require permits. Just remember to heed all of the signs. Even if you have to circle the block a couple times, it sure beats getting fined or having your car towed.

All about DUI & DWI

Driving after drinking too much alcohol is known as Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Alcohol slows your reflexing, temporarily lowers your mental acuity and can thus compromise your ability to control a vehicle and drive it safely. And yes, even "buzzed driving" is still drunk driving and can be just as dangerous.

A DUI arrest can lead to expensive consequences, including spending time in jail, a suspended driver's license and fines. If you hit and/or kill someone while you are driving impaired, the consequences are even worse.

It's also illegal to have an open container of alcohol in your car. If you're transporting alcoholic beverages, they should be sealed and in the trunk.

All 50 states have now set .08% Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) as the legal limit for Driving Under the Influence, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For commercial drivers, it’s .04%. And if you’re under 21, it’s zero tolerance – any amount of alcohol is grounds for a DUI arrest.

In some cities, law enforcement officials set up sobriety checkpoints along the road to identify and deter impaired drivers. These are typically set up during holiday weekends or on dates when there might be more drinking and driving.

If you're stopped at a checkpoint, you'll be asked several questions and might be asked to perform a sobriety test (like saying the ABC's backwards, performing some physical movements or breathing into an alcohol sensor). If these tests show that you have high alcohol levels, the police may arrest you.

Winter driving tips

Winter brings all sorts of driving headaches: snow, freezing rain and slush, which all make the roads more hazardous. To handle the hassle of winter driving:

First of all, buckle up. Basic car safety encourages the use of seat belts and car seats at all times. They're one of your best defenses in a crash. And it's the law.
Use extra caution in areas that ice up quickly, especially intersections, shaded areas, bridges and overpasses.
Get in the habit of regularly checking weather reports on TV or online so you can prepare for bad weather. On severe weather days, schools and workplaces might close or delay opening. Consider staying at home if you don't need to be on the road.
Keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your car – including blankets, a first aid kit and jumper cables. Check out our full list of items for your emergency car kit.
Make sure your cell phone is fully charged and that your car always has a full tank of gas.