Responsible driving is the foundation of highway safety

Highways in Croatia are recognized as the safest and most comfortable roads, yet their security is largely dependent on the actions of individual drivers. Hrvatske autoceste d.o.o. emphasizes that safe driving stems from a series of crucial, simple actions: meticulous travel planning, adapting speed, ensuring adequate safety margins, adhering to traffic signals, and responding responsibly during emergencies.

Even the most expertly designed roadways cannot compensate for a lack of responsible driving. The human element plays a pivotal role in traffic safety. Therefore, drivers must pay close attention to planning their journeys, entering and exiting highways, navigating junctions and tunnels, adjusting speed to various conditions, actively observing the traffic environment, and heeding warning signs and indicators. While highways are inherently safer, accidents, when they occur, often have severe consequences due to higher speeds.

Drivers are reminded to regularly check their speedometers, as they may not always be aware of their actual velocity. The most frequent causes of traffic accidents are inappropriate speed and, increasingly in recent years, distraction, primarily from mobile phone use while driving. This risk is significantly amplified by high summer temperatures, which increase driver fatigue. Consequently, taking frequent breaks, staying cool, and driving with concentration are vital.

Before entering a highway, it is essential to assess road conditions, weather forecasts, and traffic flow. Highways function as dynamic systems demanding constant vigilance: from approaching junctions, tunnels, and rest areas to monitoring traffic signs, information displays, and speed limit messages. Drivers are encouraged to continuously observe their surroundings, anticipate potential hazards, and maintain a high level of responsibility at all times. For additional safety advice, consult the provided safety recommendations.

Adjusting speed to road conditions is paramount for safe driving, considering visibility, traffic density, intensity, weather, and the specific highway situation. Maintaining a safe distance is one of the most critical accident prevention elements. At the maximum permissible speed of 130 km/h, a two-second gap, approximately 70 meters, is recommended. This proper spacing allows for timely reactions and reduces the risk of rear-ending the vehicle ahead. In the event of an accident, an emergency corridor facilitates rapid and safe passage for emergency services. The rule is simple: vehicles in the right lane move right, and vehicles in the left lane move left. This small maneuver creates a space that can mean timely assistance for those in distress.