A 72-year-old driver sustained serious injuries in a roads mishap on a treacherous road close to Plauen (Vogtlandkreis) on a chilly Sunday afternoon. According to police reports shared on Monday evening, the elder driver veered off the main road because of the slippery weather, tumbled over, and came to a halt on its side by the roadside, smack dab in front of a traffic sign. Emergency services had to extricate him from his vehicle and transport him to the hospital.
Numerous accidents were reported across Germany over the weekend, thanks to the black ice and slush. Many regions are set to experience snow, ice, and slush at the start of the week. The inclement weather has contributed to a surge in road accidents over the weekend, as motorists struggled to keep their footing on the slippery surfaces. Despite clear warnings about the dangerous road conditions, some drivers, like the one near Plauen, unfortunately experienced accidents due to the adverse weather.
Safety Measures for Slippery Road Conditions
While slippery roads can be challenging, there are steps drivers can take to remain safe:
- Install Winter Tires: Ensure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires, required by law in Germany and France during wintry conditions. Avoid driving with tires below the legal tread depth of 1.6 mm.
- Adjust Tire Pressure: Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or sticker to correctly set tire pressure. Incorrect tire pressure causes longer stopping distances, reduces steering precision, increases fuel consumption, and accelerates tire wear.
- Inspect Tires: Regularly inspect your tires for cracks, cuts, dents, or debris, as damage can lead to a flat tire.
- Drive Cautiously: Reduce speed, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoid sudden maneuvers to preserve control of your vehicle on slick surfaces.
- Use Hazard Warning Lights: Use hazard warning lights when approaching traffic congestion to alert other drivers.
- Stay Informed: Keep track of weather forecasts and road conditions. If possible, avoid driving during heavy snowfall or icy conditions.
- Maintain Vehicle Control: Practice defensive driving, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles and taking care not to make sudden movements.
These tips can help drivers reduce their chances of being involved in an accident on slippery roads.
