Travel safely

Before driving, it is important to be sure you are in good physical condition and, especially for long journeys, to start well-rested, avoid heavy meals and refrain from drinking alcohol. Check the mechanical condition of the vehicle Tyre pressure must be measured when the tyres are cold. To find the correct pressure—which varies depending on the type of tyres and vehicle—you should refer to the instructions provided by the vehicle manufacturer. Always remember to check the pressure of the spare tyre as well. Check the wear of the vehicle’s tyres and of any towed vehicles (caravans, trailers, auxiliary carts). With the correct tyre pressure, the risk of blowouts is reduced, grip and braking performance on wet surfaces improve, fuel consumption decreases, and tyre life increases. Travel safety also depends on proper vehicle equipment. Having snow chains on board or winter tyres fitted, and being equipped with ABS or other control systems, significantly enhances safety.

• Indicators and headlights must be clean (a dirty headlight loses half of its effectiveness).
• Windows—especially the windscreen—must be clean to ensure proper visibility.
• Any load must be properly arranged and securely fastened.
• Before travelling, check fuel level, engine oil and windshield washer fluid.
• It is useful to keep a flashlight in the glove compartment.

The safety distance is the space that every vehicle must maintain from the one ahead in order to stop, if necessary, without causing a rear-end collision.

On Italian motorways, the Highway Code sets a speed limit of 110 km/h in rainy conditions. It is therefore essential to drive with great care, maintaining a moderate speed and avoiding sudden acceleration, hard braking and abrupt steering.

In fog with visibility under 100 metres, drivers must:

• travel at speeds below 50 km/h and maintain a moderate, steady pace;
• use lights correctly: front fog lights, rear fog light, and hazard warning lights (“four-way flashers”) in the event of sudden slowdowns;
• maintain a safe distance;
• pay close attention to road signs, which provide essential guidance for safe driving.

Users involved in an accident must stop, wear a high-visibility vest or harness, and provide the necessary assistance to anyone who may have suffered personal injury. They must also signal the obstruction caused by the vehicles by using, during the day, the warning triangle and, at night, the position lights or hazard lights. If these are not functioning, the warning triangle must be placed in a stable position at least 50 metres behind the vehicle. Those involved must also move to a safe area away from the vehicles and call for assistance. If the accident has caused only damage to property, the drivers and any other road users involved must also, where possible, avoid obstructing traffic.

In the event of an emergency stop, it is advisable to pull over, if possible, in a safe position outside the carriageway, signalling the vehicle and ensuring it remains visible. To indicate the obstruction, a warning triangle must be used during the day, while at night the position lights or hazard lights must be activated. If these are not functioning, the warning triangle must be placed in a stable position at least 50 metres behind the vehicle. Anyone carrying out emergency operations must make themselves as visible as possible by wearing— as required by the Highway Code— a high-visibility vest or harness. It is also advisable for passengers to exit the vehicle and move as far as possible to the right-hand edge of the roadway, in order to avoid potential rear-end collisions from approaching vehicles.