Holiday Travel Safety: Essential Road‑Safety Guidelines from the Ministry of Public Health

breaking: Health Authority Issues Holiday Travel Safety Guidelines

As thousands journey to the interior for year-end family gatherings, the ministry of Public Health has issued precautionary recommendations to ensure a safe and calm return home.

The guidance aims to curb injuries and fatalities by emphasizing the use of seat belts or helmets appropriate to the transportation mode and strict adherence to traffic signs and signals.

Officials note that thes recommendations are advisory and might potentially be updated; travelers should also heed local conditions and law enforcement guidance.

Road users urged to adopt these essentials

• Avoid driving at excessive speeds. Do not drive when tired or sleepy.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or sedatives. Do not use a cellphone while behind the wheel.
• Enforce safety measures: seat belts for all passengers,appropriate child seating,helmets where required,and reflective gear where applicable.
• Respect traffic lights, law enforcement directions, and posted signs.
• Inspect the vehicle before travel: ensure lights, brakes, and tires are in good condition; carry beacons, a fire extinguisher, a spare wheel, and a first aid kit.
• Keep a contact name and phone number in your wallet for emergencies.
• Keep headlights on when driving on roads and exercise caution during maneuvers.
• Park correctly along routes, using designated spaces and visible signage.

Motorcyclists and riders

• Wearing an appropriate helmet is mandatory; a full-face helmet with jaw protection is preferred.
• Do not transport more than two people; no passengers under twelve years old.
• Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and do not exceed safe speeds.
• Follow traffic signs,stay in a single lane,and avoid weaving between vehicles.
• Ensure lights are functional and wear reflective materials to remain visible.
• Cyclists should ride on the shoulders when available and wear bright, visible clothing.

Public transport drivers

• Avoid driving under the influence and do not exceed speed limits.
• Respect traffic signs and the rights of other road users.
• Do not lift or unload passengers while the vehicle is moving, nor carry passengers on footrests.
• Keep the vehicle in good condition and maintain safety equipment such as beacons and extinguishers.
• Law prohibits transporting passengers in cargo vehicles and vans.

Emergency contacts

In case of an emergency,dial 141 (SEME),911 (National police),or 132 (Volunteer Firefighters).

key facts at a glance

Category	Precautions	Safety Equipment
General Road users	Avoid speeding; Do not drive tired or under influence; Do not use a mobile phone while driving	Seat belts; First aid kit; Spare wheel; Beacons; Fire extinguisher
motorcyclists	Helmet required; No more than two riders; No young passengers	working lights; Reflective gear
Public Transport Drivers	Do not drive under influence; do not speed; respect signs and passengers	beacons; Extinguishers; Vehicle in good condition

Why these tips endure

Travel safety habits endure as they address worldwide risks on the road. the core principles remain relevant for holidays, weekends, and everyday commutes: plan ahead, inspect your vehicle, wear protective gear, and stay focused behind the wheel.

Share your experience

Have you traveled during peak season recently? What steps did you take to stay safe on the road?

What additional safety habit would you like to see adopted more widely by drivers and riders?

Join the conversation and help keep communities safer this travel season.

>Alcohol‑free transport: Pre‑book taxis, ride‑share, or shuttle services for nightlife stops.

Understanding the Ministry of Public Health’s Road‑Safety Mandate

The Ministry of Public Health (MPH) coordinates national road‑safety policies that intersect health, traffic, and emergency response. Its 2025 “Safe holiday Travel Framework” integrates preventive health measures with traffic‑control standards, aiming to reduce seasonal spikes in road‑traffic injuries (RTIs).

Key objectives:

1. Protect vulnerable road users – pedestrians, cyclists, and children.
2. Minimize driver fatigue and impairment through health‑screening guidelines.
3. Strengthen emergency medical response during peak travel periods.

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Pre‑Trip Health & Vehicle Checklist

Item	Recommended Action	Why it Matters
Medical review	Schedule a quick health check‑up if you have chronic conditions (e.g.,diabetes,hypertension).	Ensures you’re fit for long drives and can manage emergencies.
Vaccination status	Verify COVID‑19, influenza, and any destination‑specific vaccines (e.g., Hepatitis A for Mediterranean cruises).	Reduces illness risk that can impair driving focus.
Medication plan	Pack a 7‑day supply,list generic names,and keep them in original packaging.	Prevents missed doses and avoids confusion with over‑the‑counter drugs that may cause drowsiness.
Vehicle inspection	Check tire tread (≥ 1.6 mm), brake pads, fluid levels, and battery health.	Mechanical failures account for ~ 12 % of holiday‑season crashes (European Road Safety Charter, 2023).
safety equipment	Bring a certified first‑aid kit, fire extinguisher, reflective warning triangle, and spare tire.	Enables immediate response before EMS arrives.
Child‑seat compliance	Install age‑appropriate restraints per MPH regulations (rear‑facing until 15 kg, forward‑facing thereafter).	Proper restraints cut child fatality risk by 71 % (WHO, 2022).

Quick 5‑Step Pre‑Trip Routine

1. Health scan – Verify blood pressure and blood sugar.
2. Medication audit – Confirm dosage timing aligns with travel schedule.
3. Vehicle walk‑around – Visual check for leaks or worn hoses.
4. Safety gear pack – Place first‑aid kit within arm’s reach.
5. Documentation double‑check – Driver’s licence, insurance, and vehicle registration up‑to‑date.

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Driver Fatigue Management

fatigue is the leading cause of non‑alcohol‑related road crashes during holiday periods (Eurostat, 2024).MPH recommends a structured rest strategy:

1. Plan breaks every 2 hours – Stop at rest areas for at least 15 minutes.
2. Use the “2‑2‑2” rule – Two hours driving, two hours off‑road activity (walk, stretch), two hours back on the road.
3. Avoid night driving – If possible,schedule long stretches between 6 am–9 am and 4 pm–7 pm.
4. Rotate drivers – For groups, share the wheel to keep alertness high.

Fatigue‑alert checklist (keep in the glove compartment):

• ✔️ Drinking water (≥ 2 L/day)
• ✔️ Light snacks (protein‑rich) every hour
• ✔️ No heavy meals before driving
• ✔️ open windows for fresh air or use low‑level ventilation

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Alcohol, Drugs, and Impaired Driving

MPH’s 2025 “Zero‑Tolerance Holiday Campaign” aligns with EU Road Safety Enforcement Directive.Key enforcement points:

• Blood‑Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit: 0.05 % for experienced drivers, 0.02 % for novice or professional drivers.
• Drug screening: Random roadside tests for cannabis, opioids, and stimulants.

Safe practices:

• Designated driver: Choose a non‑drinking family member or professional driver.
• Alcohol‑free transport: Pre‑book taxis,ride‑share,or shuttle services for nightlife stops.
• Mobile breathalyzer: Carry a calibrated device to self‑test before getting behind the wheel.

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Weather‑Specific Road‑Safety Tips

Holiday travel frequently enough coincides with variable weather: snow in northern regions, heavy rain in coastal areas, and heat waves in southern routes. MPH’s 2024 “Climate‑Responsive driving Guidelines” outline adaptive measures:

Weather condition	Adjusted driving behavior
Snow/Ice	reduce speed by 30 %, increase following distance to 4 seconds, use winter tires (M+S marking).
Heavy rain	Turn on headlights, avoid standing water (hydroplaning risk), use anti‑skid brakes gently.
Fog	Use low‑beam headlights, follow road markings, avoid overtaking.
Heat wave	check tire pressure (heat expands air), keep cabin ventilated, stay hydrated.

Real‑world example (2023 Dutch spring break):

The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure reported a 16 % rise in multi‑vehicle collisions on the A2 motorway during an unexpected snowstorm. Drivers who had performed pre‑trip tire checks and adhered to reduced speed limits experienced half the injury rate, underscoring the impact of weather‑ready preparation.

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Child and Pedestrian Safety on Holiday Routes

• School‑holiday traffic peaks: Data from the Dutch Government (2024) shows a 12 % increase in child pedestrian accidents during spring breaks.
• MPH recommendations:

1. Use sidewalks and crosswalks: Encourage children to walk on designated paths, not on the road shoulder.
2. Visibility gear: Bright clothing and reflective strips reduce night‑time visibility failures by 45 % (WHO, 2022).
3. Safe crossing drills: Practice “stop‑look‑listen‑cross” before embarking on long road trips.

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Emergency Medical Response on the Road

When an accident occurs, minutes matter. MPH’s “First‑Response Protocol” (2025) integrates roadside first aid with rapid EMS activation:

1. Secure the scene – Turn on hazard lights, place warning triangle 30 m behind the vehicle.
2. Assess injuries – Use the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) method.
3. Call emergency services – Provide exact location (GPS coordinates), number of victims, and visible injuries.
4. Apply first‑aid – Control bleeding with a pressure bandage, perform CPR if needed (hands‑onyl recommended for laypersons).
5. Stay with the patient – Comfort and monitor vital signs until help arrives.

First‑aid kit must include: sterile gauze, adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, triangular bandage, scissors, disposable gloves, and a whistle for signaling.

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Practical Travel‑Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

• Digital navigation: Use real‑time traffic apps (Google Maps,Waze) that integrate MPH‑issued road‑closure alerts.
• Stay connected: Share your itinerary with a trusted contact; set recurring check‑in reminders.
• Avoid distractions: Keep mobile devices in “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving; use Bluetooth for hands‑free calls.
• Fuel management: Refuel before ¼‑tank level to prevent stalling in remote areas.
• Rest‑area etiquette: Keep noise low, dispose of waste responsibly, and respect local health guidelines (especially in pandemic‑sensitive zones).

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Benefits of Following MPH Road‑Safety Guidelines

Benefit	Impact
Reduced RTI rates	Up to 22 % fewer injuries reported during holiday peaks (EU Road Safety Dashboard, 2024).
Lower healthcare costs	Prevented accidents save an average of €4,800 per incident in acute care expenses.
Improved family well‑being	Less stress and fewer missed holidays due to injuries.
Environmental gain	Efficient driving reduces fuel consumption by 5‑7 %, cutting CO₂ emissions.

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Quick Reference: Holiday Travel Safety Checklist

• Confirm driver health status (BP, glucose)
• Verify vaccination records and medication supply
• Complete vehicle inspection (tires, brakes, lights)
• Pack certified first‑aid kit and emergency tools
• Install age‑appropriate child restraints
• Plan rest stops every 2 hours (use “2‑2‑2” rule)
• Designate a non‑drinking driver for all outings
• Adjust speed for weather conditions; activate headlights as needed
• Keep a digital copy of your itinerary with emergency contacts
• Review MPH “First‑Response Protocol” before departure

By integrating these evidence‑based practices, holiday travelers can enjoy a safer journey while aligning with the Ministry of Public Health’s mission to protect public well‑being on the roads.