Tips to boost driving safety this Easter Week

Easter Week is a holiday for millions of people across Spain, serving as a well-deserved break before summer. Unfortunately, the getaway traffic causes hundreds of accidents. In 2014 alone, 12,000 families had to be attended to for some kind of accident, a figure 5.2% higher than in 2013, with a large number of these incidents taking place on Maundy Thursday.

Breakdowns during Easter Week are also highlighted, with flat or faulty batteries leading the list at 27.56%, while 12% of incidents were caused by a puncture or blowout. This year, 13.5 million vehicles are expected to travel across the country, and RACE brings us this series of tips to boost driving safety.

Check all fluid levels, the battery, tyres and windscreen wipers, as well as the condition of the items needed in case of a breakdown, such as warning triangles, a reflective vest or a jack.

Before setting off, plan the journey to avoid possible detours, and get enough rest before getting behind the wheel. Fatigue is one of the leading causes that increase the risk of an accident. Finally, distribute the load evenly, making sure no loose objects could be thrown forward in the event of sudden braking. This rule also applies to animals, which must be properly restrained or placed in transport devices to avoid possible injuries.

Once on the road, obeying the rules, not drinking alcohol and using restraint systems for all occupants is the necessary premise before starting the vehicle. It is advisable to stop every two hours or every 200 kilometres to avoid the onset of fatigue.

When driving on motorways, keep a safe distance and use the right-hand lane, except when overtaking, returning to this lane as soon as possible. It must not be forgotten that the risk to safety increases towards the end of journeys, and this must not be neglected even on short trips, even when the road is familiar.

For night driving, one must be aware of the fatigue caused by the extra concentration required by reduced visibility. The entire lighting system should be checked and the safety distance increased. If you witness an accident, remember the PAS procedure: Protect from further risks, Alert the emergency services and Assist the injured in cases of extreme seriousness.