Slippy Smash Near Heilbronn: Bus Goes Awry, Takes Out Little Car, Claims Life
It was close to 2:30 PM when the incident unfolded. The transit bus was traveling towards Zweiflingen without any passengers on board. A police spokesperson shared the tale of woe, "It appears the bus driver lost grip and slid into the oncoming traffic lane on a sharp bend due to the slippery road conditions. The vehicle collided head-on with a compact Fiat Punto."
The impact was severe. The little car veered off course, flipped onto its roof, and the driver was catapulted out. Desperate attempts to revive the Fiat driver were in vain as they succumbed to their injuries on the spot.
The bus driver, however, emerged relatively unscathed.
Safety tips for driving on icy roads:
- Reduce your speed significantly, especially on icy roads.
- Increase your following distance to at least 8 to 10 seconds from the vehicle ahead.
- Use the standard brakes if you have standard brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply steady pressure without pumping.
- Employ the push-pull-slide or fixed-hand steering methods during an emergency.
- Avoid overcorrecting or turning the wheel in the opposite direction if your car starts skidding.
- Be vigilant for black ice, which can be hard to spot.
- Keep your vehicle winter-ready by checking the battery, tire tread, and brakes.
- Install snow or winter tires on all four wheels for better traction.
- Stay informed about weather conditions and road closures.
- Pack an essential emergency kit, including blankets, flares, a portable shovel, and first aid supplies.
- Avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
- Be cautious over bridges and overpasses.
By adhering to these safety measures, drivers can mitigate the risks associated with driving on icy roads and help prevent accidents like the one that transpired near Heilbronn.
More to chew on:
Sources:
[1] Porteous, J. (2022, December 1). Winter driving tips for avoiding accidents and keeping safe on the roads. .
[2]
[3]
[4] O'Dowd, T., & Jaffe, S. (2022, December 2). 7 essential winter driving safety tips you should know. .
[5] Welch, C. (2022, December 3). According to experts, winter driving safety relies on preparation. .
