In North Rhine-Westphalia, the summer vacations begin on Monday, July 15, 2019, for over 2.2 million pupils. With the exception of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, all other federal states are also on vacation. This means an increased volume of traffic, especially at the beginning, middle and end of the vacations due to vacation travel. Increased traffic jams and accidents are to be expected on the federal freeways.

The police in North Rhine-Westphalia are holding nationwide campaign days to mark the start of the vacation traffic and are providing safety tips for driving on vacation. With state-wide campaigns under the motto "Safely on vacation and back by car", police officers are drawing attention to risks during the journey. Carelessness when packing and on the journey is life-threatening for the whole family. The NRW police are raising awareness among drivers so that the best weeks of the year don't come to a bad end.

On the journey to the vacations, holidaymakers' own behavior often becomes a safety risk. For example, many drivers do not stow bags and suitcases properly. Unsecured luggage can then become a dangerous projectile in the event of heavy braking or an accident. Other drivers play with their cell phones while driving. It is frightening how recklessly some people repeatedly put themselves and others in danger.

If you are going on vacation, you should also be prepared for a car breakdown. The police recommend that all car occupants have high-visibility vests handy in the vehicle interior. In many European countries, you must wear them when you leave the vehicle in the event of a breakdown. The warning triangle and first-aid kit should not be buried under luggage so that they are quickly to hand in the event of an emergency.

The police expect particularly heavy traffic on the roads in North Rhine-Westphalia at the beginning, middle and end of the vacations. On these days, the police will have a strong presence on the main travel routes in North Rhine-Westphalia. Officers will carry out traffic and safety checks and give holidaymakers tips for a safe journey.

Tips for driving to and from your vacation:

Before your journey:

• Check your tire pressure, oil level and water before setting off.
• Secure children, pets and luggage.
• Light snacks and a sufficient supply of drinks are essential on a long car journey.
• Start the journey refreshed and well rested.

During the journey:

• Be considerate of yourself and others.
• Keep your hands off your cell phone or other electronic devices during the journey.
• Take sufficient breaks. Recommendation: Every one and a half to two hours or every 200 kilometers.
• If the journey threatens to become too long, it makes sense to make overnight stops.
• Do not leave children or animals in the vehicle, even if the window is open.
• Do not leave any valuables in your vehicle.

In the event of an accident:

• The freeway is no place for pedestrians, even in traffic jams. Keep calm, form a rescue lane and stay in your car.
• A rescue lane must be formed even at walking pace on the freeway and multi-lane roads outside built-up areas.
• The rescue lane is not a lane for motorcyclists.
• Accident sites are not places for onlookers, but for rescue workers.
• Filming and photographing accident victims is a criminal offence.