Road Safety Recommendations

Violating Navigation (maneuvers) Rules

Before starting the maneuver, the driver of the vehicle is obliged to turn on the turn signal of the appropriate direction. The driver, who intends to turn or reverse, must make sure that he can perform this maneuver in a way that does not pose a danger and interfere with other drivers. Obey the road signs that tell you how to cross from one lane to another, move to the main street or to the bypass road. The mentioned violation is punishable by Article 125, Part 6-2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, at the amount of GEL50.

Track Changing in Intersections

Moving on the specified road lanes and with stipulated speed limits on both internal and external roads is an important factor to ensure traffic safety. The adherence to the lanes especially at intersections is most important to avoid collisions that happen when changing the tracks from one direction to another direction. The track changing is widely seen in intersections after passing the signals. This is considered as violation of traffic according to the traffic law and regulations. Drivers should focus on driving when approaching intersections, and should adhere to the specified path and not change it under any circumstances, in order to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and safety of all. The mentioned violation is punishable by Article 125, Part 7 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, at the amount of GEL50.

Driver and the Pedestrian

The driver of the vehicle must be especially careful with pedestrians (especially children, the elderly, people with disabilities). The driver is obliged, at unregulated intersections and roads where there is a pedestrian crossing or road sign, not to endanger the pedestrians and, if necessary, to stop the vehicle and give way to the pedestrian. The driver must pay special attention when passing the bus stops to ensure safe boarding and getting off the transport. When passing a vehicle that has the recognizable sign "Children on Board", the driver is obliged to exercise special caution, slow down or stop the car until the children finish boarding or getting off the vehicle. The mentioned violation is punishable by Article 125, Part 5-1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, at the amount of GEL40.

Stopping and Parking

It is prohibited to park and stop the vehicle on the bicycle lane, bus lane, side-walk, at the intersection as well as closer than 5 meters from the intersection. Stopping the vehicle on the road is a violation of traffic rules, which causes traffic jams and congestions. This may hinder the movement of emergency services, which may endanger the lives and health of citizens, or damage material property. Particular attention must be paid to illegal parking on special parking spots for people with disabilities as well as public transport parking spots. The mentioned violation is punishable by Article 125, Part 8 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, at the amount of GEL10.

Driving in the Rain

It takes about three times longer to brake on wet roads than on dry roads. Since more distance is required to brake, it is important not to tailgate. Keep a little more than two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Rain weather requires you to quietly, smoothly use the controls of your car: steering wheel, brakes, and accelerator pedal.
Don’t drive at speed that does not suit the road’s condition, and make sure you reduce speed when the road is wet.
Be sure that the wipers are in good condition, and clean the windshield and rear window repeatedly.
In case, water vapor is collected on the car windscreen, run the air conditioner to clear it for more visibility.
Avoid overtaking and unnecessary lane-changes and keep safe distance between vehicles.

Driving in Foggy Condition

Fog reduces visibility creating hazardous driving conditions and risking your safety. Motorists need to be extra careful while driving in adverse weather conditions. Here are some tips that will help you in safe driving in foggy conditions:

Slow down your vehicle and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
If you have fog lights on your vehicle, use them, in addition to your low beam headlights. High beams reflect off the moisture droplets in the fog, making it harder to see. As well, don’t use emergency flashers as they are meant for emergency stopping only.
The moisture in the air may continuously collect on the windshield. Use your defroster and wipers to maximize your vision. Keep your windows and mirrors clean.
Be patient. Avoid passing, overtaking, changing lanes and crossing traffic.
Use painted road markings to help guide you. Stick to the lane you are driving in and don’t try to drift and wander in the middle of the road.
Allow more distance between vehicles. You will need extra distance to brake safely.
Look and listen for any hazards that may be ahead.
Reduce the distractions in your vehicle. For example, turn off your music/radio. Your full attention is required.
If the fog is too dense to continue, pull completely off the road and try to park your vehicle in a safe parking area. Turn on your emergency flashers, in addition to keeping your low-beam headlights on.

Overloading of Vehicles

It is unsafe and threat to traffic safety to overload vehicles beyond the specific weight limit. Overloading increases chances to accidents and traffic congestion as well.
Excessive load more than the allowed lengths and weights exposes many risks. It affects the safety of road users and exposes to risks like falling down in the middle of the road as well as well as rising the possibility of collision. It may also lead to explosion of tires and loss of control.
The motorists are advised not to carry any loads contrary to the allowed limit of weight of the vehicle, and to cover the loads not to affect negatively to the environment or the other road users.
We also remind truck owners that the specified weights which must be adhered to is:
5-axles Truck - 45 tons maximum
4-axles Truck - 42 tons
4-axles Truck (Front) - 37 tons
2-axles Truck - 21 tons

Fire Extinguisher

The presence of a fire extinguisher in the vehicle is inevitable to ensure safety. It helps to resist any fire exposed to vehicle, the negligence in this matter should be considered as dangerous that threaten the safety of passengers and motorists.

The validity of the fire extinguisher should be maintained and should be renewed accordingly. Many fire accidents start from minor causes that could be possible to prevent if there were proper fire extinguishers. The absence of extinguisher makes it increasingly worsened and results in significant losses.

We advise all motorists to ensure availability of fire extinguisher ready to use and accessible to everyone in the vehicle as well as take precautions to avoid fire. Do conduct periodic maintenance of electrical wires and replace it in case of damage and not to stop the car near the generators or flammable materials, as well as not to smoke inside the station and the vehicle.

Traffic safety of school students

Every year, recalling the importance of traffic safety for school students is renewed to ensure an education-year free of accidents and injuries.

We recommend the drivers of public vehicles, buses and school buses to the importance of following the traffic rules and guidelines, and to be cautious while driving to ensure the safety of students and not to be exposed to traffic accidents. Drivers should take the necessary safety procedures including the conformity of the closure of the door tightly before moving, and avoid excessive speed o roads near or around schools. The bus doors shall not be opened before stopping the buses and the boarding and disembarking of students from buses should be controlled well and carefully.

We also recommend that school administrators make sure that the students' vehicles supervisors are mindful of the importance of observing students during their trips back and forth from school and instructing them on the right behaviors that ensure their safety and the safety of their colleagues.