đźš— Road Safety on the Way to Vacation: Too Many Rules Ignored

đźš— Road Safety on the Way to Vacation: Too Many Rules Ignored

With summer holidays just around the corner, the Walloon Agency for Road Safety (AWSR) is once again sounding the alarm over dangerous driving habits that are still too common during long holiday trips. A recent survey reveals that many drivers continue to take serious risks on the road.

❌ Few Breaks, High Risk

As many as 76% of drivers admit to driving more than two hours without stopping, and 19% have driven over five hours non-stop. More than half (51%) of respondents said they’ve already felt drowsy behind the wheel.

➡️ AWSR recommends taking a 15-minute break every two hours. And when fatigue sets in, a nap in a rest area is always better than pushing through.

🍔 Eating While Driving? Not a Good Idea

40% of drivers say they prefer to eat behind the wheel instead of stopping. This habit reduces concentration and slows reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.

🚀 Speeding Still a Major Issue

57% of drivers admit to exceeding speed limits during their holiday travels. AWSR reminds us that inappropriate or excessive speed is a factor in 1 in 3 fatal crashes.

📵 Distractions: Passengers and Phones

Over 42% of drivers report being distracted by their passengers, including children. On top of that, 19% use their mobile phone while driving, despite the clear ban in Belgium and most neighbouring countries.

👡 Driving in “Slash Mode”: Not Illegal, But Risky

About 1 in 4 Walloon drivers admit to driving in sandals, flip-flops, or even barefoot. While not explicitly forbidden, Belgian law requires drivers to remain in full control of their vehicle at all times.

➡️ Tip: always wear closed, stable footwear for driving.

🔧 Vehicle Check: A Must Before You Hit the Road

Check your tyre pressure, tread, oil level and lights before departure. 8% of drivers have already been involved in an accident during a holiday trip, and 22% experienced a breakdown or technical issue.

âś… Our Holiday Travel Checklist:

  1. Take a break every 2 hours

  2. Only eat or drink when parked

  3. Obey all speed limits

  4. Don’t use your phone while driving

  5. Wear proper clothing and footwear

  6. Perform a full vehicle safety check

  7. Get enough rest before departure or share the driving

📩 Got a road traffic question or a legal concern while driving? Don’t hesitate to contact me via the contact form – I’ll be happy to assist you.