Often, the car is the most comfortable and economic means of transport for holidays and in addition it has the added advantage of allowing us to get about in our destination, without being tied down to a timetable. However, unfortunately the car, together with motorcycles, continues to be one of the least safe means of transport. Therefore, it is necessary to take safety measures if we finally decide to make the journey in our own vehicle.

1.- Get a sufficient amount of rest before the journey to avoid fatigue and tiredness.

2.- Do not eat too much. Choose easily digested foods, rich in carbohydrates and low in fats. Drink only water or non-alcoholic drinks.

3.- Choose the best time to leave according to your limitations and preferences. Although when driving at night the traffic is more fluid, this is not advisable if you have problems with your sight or if you are travelling with children, old people or people in poor health, since at night it is more difficult to find help.

4.- Avoid the hours of greatest heat and sun as well as the coldest, as in the latter case there is a greater risk of ice patches on the road. Try not to have the heating too high and avoid draughts.

5.- Wear comfortable clothing and natural fabrics such as cotton or wool which allow adequate transpiration. Footwear should be of the correct size and also be comfortable. If you wear glasses, don’t forget to take a spare pair.

6.- Remember that the driver and all passengers should wear their seat belts correctly fastened both for urban and long journeys. Small children and domestic animals should travel with specific safety measures.

7.- Always remember that if you travel on a motorcycle you should use your crash helmet approved to standards, both for urban and long journeys.

8.-As far as possible, avoid carrying luggage on the car rack. If you have no other choice, it should be well anchored and placed in such a way that it opposes the least resistance to the air. Use ski clips to transport your skis. If you expect to meet snow or ice on the road, take a set of chains in the boot and you will save both time and money.

9.- Amongst the most important documents you should take on your trip are your driving licence, car insurance policy and the car documentation (car registration permit, MOT card, instruction manual etc.).

10.- In any case, don’t forget to add the telephone and address of the Client Service department for your make of car, the telephone of a road assistance company and, of course, the telephone number for information on the state of the roads, which you would do well to call before you set off.

11.- Remember that it is practically indispensable to have a good guidebook, not only of the roads, but also which serves as a help during the trip and which, therefore, should include information on service stations, restaurants, hotels, tourist and general information - all those aspects which make journeys more agreeable and safer.

12.- Different guides are published in Spain, of which two are outstanding for their volume of sales and tradition, the Campsa Guide and the MOPTMA Guide. The advice contained in these guides can convert a simple trip into a tourist or gastronomic pleasure.

13.- If you want to save petrol on the journey, drive at a constant and uniform speed, avoid sudden braking, accelerations and unnecessary gear changes.

14.- Start off with a full petrol tank. And if you don’t want your pump to fill up with impurities watch the level of fuel and try to avoid getting down to the reserve tank.