Police control abroad for road safety

The holiday period is fast approaching, so it is time to travel around Poland and other countries. It is good to know what safety equipment must be on board our car during police checks. It must be remembered that the requirements in Poland and abroad often differ.

Both in our country and abroad, we must be supplied primarily with a fire extinguisher and a warning triangle. Importantly, both equipment items must have an approval mark. Lack of a fire extinguisher and a triangle involves a risk of a fine from 20 to 500 zlotys. The extinguisher must be located so that it can be used immediately if necessary. The content of extinguishing agent must not be less than 1 kg.

In Poland, there is no requirement to have a first aid kit and a reflective vest, but it is certainly worth having it in your car, for your own safety and for others. These elements are mandatory in the vast majority of EU countries, including France, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Czech Republic, Germany and Slovakia. Interestingly, in the latter vest is also required for the passenger. Drivers often forget about an appropriate vehicle stop sign. For lacking or improper signaling of a standstill, a penalty of PLN 150 is to be expected, and on the highways, the tariff provides twice the amount. The same applies to the marking of a towed vehicle.

France, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain and Slovakia - spare bulbs are required in these countries. In France, you also need two disposable breathalyzers for the driver and passenger. In Spain, however, spare glasses and safety vest are required if the driving license contains information about the obligatory use of glasses.

The useful things to bring in the car

If you go on a road trip, do you know exactly the elements that, as a rule of Traffic, you must carry in your car to drive? In addition to this mandatory safety equipment, we also recommend other accessories that may be very useful for your safety.

The cars have to carry some elements that are obligatory and that always have to be in the vehicle in case we should need them at some time. In addition, it is advisable to carry other accessories that in case of emergency can get you out of trouble.

Mandatory equipment

Two portable approved hazard-signaling devices (so-called, by their shape, triangles).

A high visibility reflective vest also approved. It is advisable that the vest is inside the passenger compartment (not in the trunk), so you can wear it before getting off the car.

The wheel can be of normal size, auxiliary (cookie wheels), or be replaced by an safety kit. Tools needed to change the wheel. Remember that it is compulsory, to travel in certain places, to carry a set of chains (whether metallic or textile) or winter tires. If the vehicle is public transport, mixed or merchandise, or a maximum authorized mass of more than 3,500 kg, you must carry an extinguisher.

Moreover, is the car insurance, glasses and spare lights?

Since the last reform of the Traffic Law came into effect, it is no longer necessary to carry additional glasses in the car, or to include the car insurance receipt between the documentation papers. The traffic agents can consult the informative file of insured vehicles (FIVA), to check if the vehicle has insurance in order. However, although it is not mandatory, our advice is that you include the proof of insurance payment with the rest of the vehicle's documentation and some spare glasses. It costs nothing and can avoid problems if you forget your glasses or, for whatever reason, the existence of the insurance did not appear or it was possible to connect to this computerized file at the time to obtain the information.

As for the replacement lamp set, it is not mandatory either, just like the high visibility vest. There are more and more cars with Xenon or LED lights (replacement can only be done in a professional workshop) and, with respect to "normal" bulbs, it is becoming more and more complicated to disassemble them.

Road safety: how to decrease the fatal bicycle accidents

Road accidents involving cyclists are becoming more numerous. In recent weeks, many athletes have paid the price and if some have managed with some injuries, others have not had the chance like Joe Guy, Michele, Remain Goyt or Gregory Simonyi again.

According to the latest figures released by road safety, 287 people were killed on the roads of France in April. And according to the organization, cyclists were particularly affected by this mortality sharply rising (+ 13% over the last 12 months, in a slippery year). As a result, as the good weather begins to make its appearance, it is important to remember the main rules to ride safely.

Thus, as explained by the Road Safety website, a bike in good condition and well equipped helps to ensure its safety and that of other road users. Some equipment is therefore mandatory: two brakes (front and rear), a yellow or white front light and a red taillight, a buzzer as well as reflex reflectors (red at the rear, white at the front, orange on the sides and on the pedals). In addition, at night or when visibility is insufficient, the cyclist is obliged to wear a retro reflective vest. Remember also that the wearing of helmets is mandatory for children under 12 years since March 22 last.

However, the respect of these rules is sometimes not enough in particular because the cohabitation with the other road users proves more and more difficult. Faced with this most worrying reality, a petition was launched on the Internet to alert Laura Flosses, the new Minister of Sports. And since its publication, it already counts more than 8,000 signatures. "Unfortunately, they are victims of people believing themselves more + strong + because surrounded by a bodywork while the cyclist only has his helmet for + body + Bike is already a physically difficult sport, no need to add stress for cyclists ", is it in particular written on Change.org. In parallel, a call to the rally was also launched by the movement my bike is a life. It will be held on June 17, Place de la Bastille in Paris.

Another initiative has also been launched to stop the hecatomb of cyclists on the roads. Contacted by France-Soir, wheel builder Michel has made the crazy bet to tour Europe by bike from 21 June. It aims to convince the 577 French MPs to pass a law to force motorists to overtake cyclists by going the other way, to leave a space of sufficient security. In parallel, he also develops safety equipment for cyclists, a kind of distance radar to warn them of the danger.

The police in yellow vest are easily recognizable

An agreement between the cantonal police of Geneva and the transport police was signed on Tuesday. It will notably strengthen the system on the Caravan Vaux route.

With their neon yellow vests, transport police officers (TPO) are easily recognizable. Deployed in railway stations, trains and, for five years, in public transport in Geneva, they will see their missions be reinforced from 1 July. A convention linking the TPO and the cantonal police of Geneva was indeed signed Tuesday on a platform of the station Caravan. What better to prepare including the opening of the future rail link.

Reinforced missions

In French-speaking Switzerland, such an agreement already exists with the cantons of Vaud and Neuchâtel. "But signing an agreement with Geneva was very important for us," said Colonel Jug Monarch, commander of the transport police. Specifically, his men (about fifty in the Lake Geneva region) will be able to handle the cases of violation of the rules of the traffic, violation of the Law on the weapons or detention and consumption of narcotics without needing to appeal to the Geneva police officers. Recall that these agents, holders of the federal police license, are armed, unlike municipal police officers in reflective vest.

The example of the final of the Cup

"Our collaboration on the ground with the transport police is not new, but the convention adds an institutional framework, says Monica Bouffant, head of the Geneva police. The benefits came at the recent final of the Swiss Football Cup. The transport police were present with us at the command post and their field agents provided us with essential information about what was happening inside and outside the trains. "

"Better working together"

"For once, we anticipate! With the opening in 2019 of the CEVA, the number and importance of the stations will increase. And we know, to have seen for example with the arrival of the tram Merino, a new line can also be a crime accelerator. It is therefore better to work together." The magistrate also said that discussions are ongoing with French neighbors concerning the interventions of various security actors and safety equipments - which also include customs and border guards - in the perimeter of the CEVA.

Some safety equipments that you should have in your car

In the car we carry a lot of things. Which safety equipment should you have in your car? Here are the most important and essential things that should be in it.

This is a device that is legally required in every vehicle. The fire extinguisher in which we should equip our car is the type of ABC that is most commonly used. It is true that one fire extinguisher cannot extinguish a fire, but it will do well in minor emergency situations, and it will also help when waiting for the arrival of a fire brigade. Remember to have the fire extinguisher in good working order, as well as to place it in an easily accessible location.

Warning triangle

This is another piece of equipment that you must have on board. It increases safety while unexpectedly stopping the vehicle on the roadside or roadway, informing other drivers that something unexpected has happened. Let us also remember about the proper placement of the sign in emergency situations. In the built-up area it is 1 meter behind the car, in the inbuilt area at a distance of 30-50 meters, while on a fast road about 120 meters.

Spare wheel or repair kit

At present, manufacturers often choose to place smaller and lighter repair kits. It is worth remembering to have at least one of these things in the car. You never know when a punctured tire can happen, and calling for help can cost us a lot of money and time.

Tire pressure gauge

From 2014, all new cars should be equipped with a built-in tire pressure measuring device. What if we have an older vehicle that does not have it? It is worth getting a portable pressure gauge. Incorrect tire pressure is one of the main reasons for increased fuel consumption in your car. It should also be noted that incorrect pressure causes much faster tire wear. By storing the manometer in the car we are able to check the pressure level in the wheels at any time.

First aid kit

It is not required to have a first aid kit in a vehicle in Poland. However, this is a necessity when you want to go to other countries where this type of equipment is necessary in the vehicle. These are, among others. However, it should be borne in mind that random situations on the road often occur and we may need basic medical elements, either as witnesses or witnesses.

Glass scraper

The Polish climate can move from extreme to extreme. Although the spring weather is approaching us with great strides, they can still catch us frostbite. The humid air with a negative temperature causes that the scraper will allow us to travel faster. Scrapers are small, so they do not take up too much room in the car, and they will certainly be useful in emergencies.

Replacement fluids for vehicle

Always keep spare tire fluid in the trunk, especially in the winter, when the amount of mud falling from under the wheels of other cars will cause significant use. If you drive an older car, it is also a good idea to bring extra engine oil with you. These cars tend to leak oil so that we may not have time to notice when the warning light comes on. Replacement oil for the engine should be sufficient to safely reach the nearest workshop.

Fuses and light bulbs

Having spare fuses and light bulbs should help in emergencies. In the event of a failure of one of them, the continuation of our journey becomes burdensome or impossible. Both things are small enough that they do not occupy a lot of storage space. We also need to get acquainted with the exchange of these items, because sometimes their complicated assembly or disassembly (especially first time) can cause us any problems.

Safety Vest

Good visibility, especially at night or during bad weather, is the basis. Do not save on your safety or the safety of others. In emergency situations, such as changing the wheel at the side of the road, having a reflective vest is essential.

Car charger for phone

The modern world is dominated by mobile devices. In emergencies, such as witnessing an accident or other incident, we may need access to the phone. In such situations, you should have a charged phone. However, we must remember not to use mobile devices while driving.

Being equipped with these 10 things, we can go on a leisurely journey.

Police in safety vest control abroad

The holiday season is a big step, so it is time to travel around Poland and other countries. It is important to know what safety equipment must be on board our car during police inspections. It is important to remember that the requirements in Poland and abroad are very different.

Both in our country and abroad, we must be supplied primarily with a fire extinguisher and a warning triangle. Importantly, both components must bear the approval mark. Without a fire extinguisher and a triangle, there is a mandate risk of 20 to 500 zł. The fire extinguisher must be positioned so that it can be used immediately if necessary. The extinguishing agent content must be not less than 1 kg.

In Poland there is no requirement for a first aid kit and reflective vest, but it is certainly worth having in your car, for your own safety and for others. These elements are compulsory in the vast majority of EU countries, France, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Czech Republic, Germany or Slovakia. Interestingly, in the latter vest is also required for the passenger.

Drivers often forget about the proper marking of the vehicle's stoppage (during a malfunction or catching a rubber). For missing or incorrect signaling of the stoppage you have to pay a penalty of 150 zł, and on the motorways the tariff is expected to double the amount. This also applies to the marking of a towed vehicle.

France, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain and Slovakia - spare bulbs and safety vests are required in these countries. In France you also need two disposable breathers for the driver and the passenger. In Spanish we need spare glasses if we have information on mandatory use of glasses in our driving license.