Whether hiking in the mountains, a trip to the sea or a city trip: the Austrian population goes on vacation. However, the warm summer months not only bring with them a holiday atmosphere and a break from everyday work, but also increased safety risks. Because in summer there are significantly more traffic accidents and an increased risk of burglaries.

Lots of traffic and high temperatures

Due to the combination of work and holiday traffic as well as the increased use of mopeds, motorcycles and bicycles, Austria's roads are particularly busy in summer. Unfortunately, this is also reflected in the accident statistics: the months of June, July and August have the highest proportion of accidents, injuries and deaths. July is the most accident-prone period. Overall, a third (34 percent) of annual traffic accidents occur in these three months. Carinthia and Tyrol in particular have a high proportion of accidents during the summer holidays (July and August). The high number of traffic accidents in summer can largely be explained by the generally increased traffic volume.

“If you can, you should avoid traveling around midday on Friday and Saturday morning.
If you still get into a traffic jam, the following applies: form an emergency lane, stay in the vehicle and do not try to make up for lost time after the traffic jam.

Dr. Louis Norman-Audenhove, Secretary General of the Austrian Insurance Association VVO

And: in addition to the volume of traffic, the heat factor also plays an important role: If the maximum daily temperature measured is 30 degrees Celsius or above, 73 percent more traffic accidents with personal injuries occur compared to days with a maximum of 20 to 25 degrees. There are 69 percent more injuries and 57 percent more fatalities.

The mailbox as an accomplice

Burglars have a particularly easy time of it in the summer. Overflowing mailboxes, advertising materials on the doormat and constantly drawn blinds suggest that the residents of a house or apartment are on vacation. However, the risk of burglary can be easily reduced: Daily newspapers should be canceled during the vacation and trustworthy people should be asked to collect mail and advertising materials daily. Further precautions, such as installing a timer or sensor-controlled outdoor lighting, deter burglars and thereby offer additional protection.

“Apartments or houses where there are clear signs that no one is at home appear much more attractive to burglars. This makes it all the more important to avoid signs of your own absence. Even small measures have significant effects here.”

Dr. Othmar Thann, director of the KFV

Safety tips for traveling on vacation

  • NEVER leave children and animals in the car (not even during breaks when the children are sleeping). Even 10 minutes of exposure to strong sunlight can be life-threatening.
  • Avoid time pressure and make sure you have enough drinks with you.
  • Plan breaks and avoid peak times as much as possible.
  • Before you start your vacation, find out about the traffic regulations in your vacation country. You should know the traffic rules of the respective holiday country and all countries through which you are driving. You should also know about the safety equipment that is mandatory (first aid kit, emergency triangle, high-visibility vests).
  • Carry out a safety check on your vehicle before going on holiday.
  • Make sure that you load your vehicle correctly and that the cargo/luggage is properly secured.
  • Consideration and fairness in road traffic can save lives and prevent serious accidents.

Home safety tips

  • Clear away entry and climbing aids such as ladders, garden furniture, barrels, etc.
  • An overflowing mailbox and tons of advertising mail on the door have a signaling effect. Therefore, ask the neighbors to empty the mailbox regularly.
  • Detailed information about the duration of your vacation has no place on an answering machine or in social networks.
  • Particularly valuable items should be kept safe during a longer absence.
  • Before you leave, don't forget to lock all doors and windows and under no circumstances leave the keys in familiar hiding places such as under the doormat or in flower pots.

Source: APA OTS

You might also be interested in: Fact check: What to do if you have trouble with the train?

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1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )