Don’t do on the road what you wouldn’t do in life

Autostrada Wielkopolska is launching a new public awareness campaign to improve road safety. Under the slogan ‘Don’t do on the road what you wouldn’t do in life’, we want to draw drivers’ attention to everyday habits that can become dangerous behind the wheel – especially when driving on the motorway.

Four instalments, four of the most common mistakes made by drivers

The campaign consists of four instalments, each focusing on one of the most common mistakes made by drivers on motorways:

Failure to maintain a safe following distance

This is the first and key theme of the campaign. We use humour to show that in everyday life we don’t stand ‘right on someone’s back’ or follow them step by step. So why do we do this when driving at high speed?

On the motorway, maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle in front not only makes for a more comfortable journey, but is also clearly stipulated by the law and is crucial for safety.

Driving at the maximum permitted speed on the motorway (140 km/h) requires full concentration and a safe distance from the vehicle in front. At this speed, a car travels approximately 40 metres in one second. The average driver needs about 1 second to react, and safety systems – once the brake is applied – also take a moment to work effectively. This means that in just 2 seconds, we travel about 80 metres.

This is precisely why maintaining a safe following distance is crucial – it gives the driver time to react and reduces the risk of a collision. According to current regulations on the motorway, the minimum distance from the vehicle in front should be at least half of your current speed expressed in metres. This means that at a speed of 140 km/h, you should maintain a minimum distance of 70 metres.

Lack of concentration

Distractions – mobile phones, conversations or other stimuli – significantly reduce a driver’s reaction time. The campaign illustrates these situations in a light-hearted, exaggerated way, comparing them to everyday scenarios where a lack of focus leads to absurd outcomes.

When driving, it is vital to focus fully on the road. Any activity not related to driving – using a mobile phone, looking at a screen or eating – distracts your attention and increases the risk of dangerous situations. That is why it is crucial to stay focused and concentrate solely on driving.

Speeding

Speeding remains one of the main causes of accidents. In our narrative, we remind viewers that in life we rarely act ‘blindly’ and without control – so we certainly shouldn’t do so on the road.
Speed is one of the key factors affecting our safety when travelling on the motorway. Although the motorway allows for faster driving, it is important to remember that higher speeds require us to exercise particular caution and prudence.

When driving on the motorway, it is extremely important to:

• Adjust your speed to the weather conditions – in rain, fog or snow, you should slow down considerably
• Observe signs indicating the recommended speed limits
• Take traffic volume into account – in the event of heavy traffic, it will be safer to drive at a lower speed
• Maintain a safe following distance – at higher speeds, the braking distance increases significantly

Fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel

Even a few seconds of inattention can have serious consequences. In this campaign, we show how unacceptable it would be to ‘zone out’ in everyday situations – and why it is just as dangerous when driving.

Fatigue at the wheel significantly reduces concentration and increases reaction times, which directly affects driving safety. Even brief periods of fatigue can lead to a loss of attention and dangerous situations on the road. That is why, on longer journeys, you should take regular breaks – at least every 2 hours – to rest, recharge your batteries and regain your full concentration on driving.

Janusz Chabior, a polish actor, has been chosen as the face of the campaign – a highly regarded actor, recognised for his distinctive roles and his characteristic detachment from the world. His involvement is no coincidence. For years, Chabior has been associated with authenticity, uncompromising principles and incisive commentary on human behaviour – including the less sensible aspects. This enables him to highlight the absurdity of drivers’ dangerous habits in a credible yet slightly ironic way, not by lecturing but by prompting reflection. His charisma and sense of humour allow him to translate the serious topic of safety into an accessible, engaging message.

Humour instead of lecturing

Our aim is not to stigmatise or moralise. Instead, we use humour, a sense of detachment and a light-hearted approach to highlight the absurdity of certain behaviours and encourage people to change their habits. The campaign conveys a positive message – it focuses on how one should behave on the road, subtly contrasting this with what we do wrong.

Safety starts with everyday decisions

The motorway is a space that demands a particular sense of responsibility – speeds are higher and the margin for error is smaller. That is why good habits are so important; they should be just as natural as the rules that apply outside the car.

Through the campaign ‘Don’t do on the road what you wouldn’t do in life’, we’re reminding people that good manners and mutual respect don’t end at the kerb – they apply behind the wheel too.