Although temperatures are currently very mild, driving on wintry roads can be a challenge. Proper preparations should be made, especially for longer car journeys or on the way to a winter vacation. The Offenbach fire brigade provides helpful advice.
First of all, it makes sense to check the vehicle before starting the journey in order to be able to rule out a car breakdown during the journey as much as possible. In addition, suitable tires must be fitted. While driving, it is advisable to check the fuel gauge or charge level display from time to time. If you unexpectedly get stuck in a long traffic jam, you need energy for heating. For this reason, you should always refuel in good time or charge the battery.
In the event of a traffic jam, create an emergency route
If travelers get stuck in a traffic jam, it is urgent to form an emergency lane immediately: “The emergency services must arrive at the scene of the accident as quickly as possible in order to be able to provide immediate assistance. In addition, always make sure that the emergency lane remains always free, so that emergency vehicles that arrive late at the scene of the accident can also pass,” appealed Uwe Sauer, chief of the Offenbach fire brigade. If you are involved in an accident yourself, you should put on your high-visibility vest immediately and secure the scene of the accident with a warning triangle. “For this reason, it makes sense to take a look at the vehicle’s safety equipment in advance so that the first aid kit and the warning triangle are immediately at hand in an emergency,” continues Sauer.
“Cooking up on a first aid course never hurts, and it’s a good New Year’s resolution.” If the emergency services need to be activated in the event of an accident, the emergency services can be contacted via the free emergency number 112. When making an emergency call, the five “Ws” must be observed:
Where is the event?
Who’s calling?
What happened?
How many affected?
Looking forward to questions
The speed should always be adapted to the weather, wind and road conditions so that an emergency call is not necessary at all.
(Text: PM Fire Brigade Offenbach)
