Thursday, December 30, 2021

That Updated Car First Aid Kit Rule?

 Yeah, starting 1 January 2022....if you drive a car in Germany...that mandatory first aid kit (hidden in the trunk) MUST contain two masks (for Covid purposes).

I admit...it's not clear if a standard medical mask will meet the rule, or if it has to be a FFP-2 type (this regulation was not written in a clear manner).

Usually, when you go to the garage every other year....the mechanic checks the date on your first aid box, and if it's out of date (no one ever opens it)....he'll replace it with a garage kit (usually 5.50 to 10 Euro, depending on quality).

Stupid?  Well, they (the German authorities) believe that you might be in some situation where you must enter a gas station or 'something', and you might not have a mask.

In the glove box of either car my wife has....sits a minimum of five masks.  I admit....some have been used forty-odd times when out in the car.  

Just another stupid regulation (because of the first aid connection)?  Probably....but if you get stopped on a Friday-evening alcohol check....they tend to ask for the registration and request to see your first aid kit if the car is over five years old.

In all my years around Germany....have I ever seen anyone actually use the first aid kit?  Well....no.  Some Germans probably would say it's not sanitary enough to meet their situation.  Yet it sits there....just in case you did get a mild cut while driving.  If you asked Germans what's in the kit.....other than mentioning bandages...most have no other idea because they've never opened the kit.

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