What to do during an air raid on the road: tips for drivers

It so happens that there is a war going on in Ukraine. All the rules and laws of martial law apply to every citizen and guest of the country.

In Kyiv, as well as in other cities of the country, absolutely everyone is exposed to danger, including car drivers.

The market of car rental in Kyiv is not idle even in such times, and people actively use the service.

In this material the company "Getmancar" will give some tips and recommendations on the safety of movement for its clients, and for all drivers of motor transport of the capital and other cities.

Why it is important to react immediately to an alarm

An air raid alarm is a signal indicating a potential threat from the air, such as a missile attack or a drone attack. A timely response can save lives.

Do not underestimate this signal. Even if the alarm is not accompanied by explosions, each case is a potential mortal danger. That is why you need to act quickly, clearly and without panic.

Actions of the driver of the car at the air alarm in Kyiv

In the event of an alarm, while driving a car, you should take the following actions:

1. Honk five long beeps, in order to notify other road users about the beginning of the alarm.
2. Remain calm and do not panic. Remember that panic can lead to improper actions and jeopardize your safety. From the start of the air alert to the immediate danger, in most cases there is time to seek shelter.
3. Stop your vehicle at the side of the road. Get out of the car and find the nearest shelter: these may be "points of nezlamnosti" (never give up points), bomb shelters, subway passages, subway stations, parking lots equipped for shelter. If you can't find any of these places, just lie face down on the ground and cover your head with your hands. This will help protect you from shrapnel and other debris.
4. If you are in a car with children or other passengers, make sure they know what to do in the event of an air raid. Explain to them that they should perform the same actions as you.
5. After the end of the air alarm has been declared, you may return to the vehicle and give three signals.

What to do if the alarm catches you on the highway or outside the city

If an air raid alarm catches you while driving on the highway, in the countryside or outside a populated area, you need to act especially quickly and competently, since there may not be any equipped shelters nearby.

1. Stop your car in the safest possible place
2. Try to stop as far away from bridges, interchanges, potentially dangerous objects (factories, military facilities, etc.). It is best to stop on the side of the road, away from the roadway, so as not to interfere with the movement of other cars.
3. Do not take cover under the car. Despite the fact that it may seem that the car can serve as a shelter, this is not so. The metal of the car body is not strong enough to protect against shell fragments or a shock wave. In addition, if an explosion occurs nearby, the car may catch fire or roll over, which creates an additional threat.
4. Find natural cover. If possible, move away from the road and find natural cover:

• Ditch or deep shoulder
• Small ravine
• Forest belt, relief folds
• Ground depression, hole

Stay in place until the alarm is over. Do not return to the car until you receive official notification of the end of the air raid alarm. This can be tracked through:

• Official Telegram channels (e.g. Kyiv City State Administration, State Emergency Service)
• Notification apps (Air Alert, Kyiv Digital, etc.)

How to help passengers and children during an alarm

During an air raid alarm, it is especially important not only to think about your own safety, but also to ensure the safety of everyone in the car with you. Children, the elderly, and passengers unfamiliar with the rules of conduct need clear and calm instructions.

1. Stay calm and do not panic

Your behavior is the main guide for others. If the driver is calm and confident, this helps passengers maintain composure, especially children.

2. Follow a pre-planned action

• Explain to passengers what is happening and what actions you are taking.
• Do not use alarming or frightening language, especially with children.

3. Quickly get everyone out of the car and take them to shelter

• Make sure that the passengers quickly leave the car.
• Direct everyone to the nearest shelter: the metro, an underground passage, a "safety point", a bomb shelter.
• If there is no shelter nearby, go to natural shelters: depressions, terrain, ravines.

5. Maintain voice contact. Do not shout, but maintain vocal contact with passengers, especially with children. This reduces stress.

6. After the alarm ends

• Make sure that everything is okay, no one was hurt.
• Calmly return to the car.
• Horn three short blasts - this can serve as a signal to other drivers that the alarm is over.

Useful links in case of an air alert in Kyiv

1. interactive map of air alerts in Ukraine https://alerts.in.ua

2. Interactive map of bomb shelters in Kyiv.

3. interactive map of Ukraine's indestructibility points

In Dnipro

Dnipro Shelter Map — a list and location of shelters in the city.

Dnipro City Council Telegram channel — notifications and emergency messages for residents.

In order to be mobile even at such a time, you can consider the option of Car rental in Dnipro. This way you can get to the place you need faster and more conveniently.

In Lviv

Interactive map of Lviv shelters — current addresses of safe zones and shelters.

Telegram channel of the Lviv City Council — official notifications and alerts.

In order to be mobile even at such a time, you can consider the option of Car rental in Lviv. This way you can get to the place you need faster and more conveniently.

Hopefully, these instructions will help you stay safe during an air raid.

Advantages of car rental during martial law

During wartime, a car becomes more than just a means of transportation — it can be a vital resource. Renting a car during such periods becomes especially valuable, especially for those who value mobility, speed of decision-making and safety.

1. Quick access to transport at any time

In unpredictable situations, time is of the essence. The Getmancar service allows you to rent a car in just a few minutes through a mobile application — without waiting, queues and paper documents.

2. Freedom of movement with limited public transport