Tips for travellers driving and walking in Finland

Top safety tips for driving in Finland

1. Plan your route. Prefer main roads. Be careful when using Google Maps or a similar tool – they are not always up to date on impassable roads – especially in winter. Check where to stop for fuel along the way.
2. Check the weather forecast and take warnings seriously. Avoid driving in bad weather.
3. Speet limits set the maximum, not target speed. Choose your speed according to the weather and conditions on the road.
4. Don’t become a road hazard. Do not stop in the middle of the road for photos. Stop only at a safe place like a lay-by.
5. Wear your seatbelt and make sure your passengers are buckled up too.
6. Snow, sleet and ice can cause extremely dangerous road conditions in Finland. Slow down and increase your following distance if the weather is bad. Make sure you drive with lights on.
7. Respect private areas and road closures. Off-road driving is forbidden.
8. Stay on your own lane. Some roads are extremely narrow.
9. Take wildlife warning signs seriously. Watch out for reindeer in reindeer husbandry area.
10. If you have an accident, call 112. Be prepared, in remote areas it may take a while before help arrives.

Top safety tips for walking in Finland

1. Use pavements and footpaths.
2. Walk on the left side of the road facing the traffic if there is no pavement.
3. Only cross streets at designated areas like a pedestrian crossing. Look both ways before you cross. Do not jaywalk. Be extra careful when crossing the road in the dark.
4. Be mindful of other road users and mind your luggage. Remember you are sharing the road – do not block the street.
5. Don’t rely solely on Google Maps etc when plotting a route to your destination. Respect private areas.
6. In the dark it is crucial to be seen. Wear reflectors or a reflective vest and increase your visibility.
7. Stop in a safe place before taking photos or checking your route. Do not let mobile phones distract you.
8. If an emergency vehicle approaches with emergency lights flashing and/or sirens on, stay off the road.

More information https://www.liikenneturva.fi/en/