Onset of winter: accidents and traffic jams on highways

Winter's Arrival Brings Chaos on Highways

Winter's frosty embrace has resulted in a slew of accidents across Thuringia, leaving thirteen unfortunate drivers with a total damage bill of 140,000 euros as per the highway police. Eleven accidents have transpired since last Friday, with three individuals escaping with minor injuries. Despite the ice and sleet, some drivers continued to navigate the highways with summer tires, exacerbating the hazardous conditions.

In a mishap on the A73 near Eisfeld, a driver's night went downhill, quite literally, as his car overturned and the subsequent breath alcohol test revealed a level of 0.6 per mille. Regrettably, the car was reduced to scrap metal, a stark reminder of ignoring weather advisories.

These accidents have chained highways with lengthy traffic jams. As forecasters predict additional snowfall over the coming days, even in the lowlands, the highway police urges drivers to negotiate the roads mindfully.

Despite repeated warnings, drivers continued to fall victim to winter's relentless grip, resulting in traffic calamities and severe congestion.

Contemplate the Elements Behind Winter's Cursed Traffic

1. Icy Roads and Snow:
2. These elements diminish traction, upscaling the distance required to halt, quicken or steer safely.
3. Ice-laden roads necessitate expanded stopping distances.
4. Reduced Visibility:
5. Gloomy weather conditions such as snow, sleet, fog, or gloominess pose a risk by impairing sightlines.
6. Dim light sources adding to the visibility challenge, particularly during early mornings and late afternoons.
7. Exceeding the Speed Limit:
8. Over-speeding is a significant perpetrator of accidents during the winter. Inch-thick ice and snow escalate dangers, making speeding a foolhardy choice.
9. Distracted Driving:
10. Mobile devices or other diversions can aggravate driving dangers, even more, in weak weather conditions.
11. Unprepared Vehicles:
12. Worn-down tires, faulty brakes, or improperly functioning windshield wipers raise the likelihood of mishaps under snowy conditions.

Remedying Winter's Traffic Hurdles for Drivers

1. Slow, Thoughtful Driving:
2. Reduce your speed to match the road conditions, maintaining a safe following distance of around 8-10 seconds.
3. Proper Use of Lights and Windshield Wipers:
4. Switch on your headlights during low visibility and keep them clean to ensure clearer sighting distances at night.
5. Remove accumulated snow and ice from all windows and mirrors.
6. Avoid Sudden Movements:
7. Drive smoothly and cautiously to dodge abrupt maneuvers, which can exacerbate control difficulties in slippery conditions.
8. Gentle, Gradual Braking:
9. Exercise gentle pressure while applying the brakes to prevent skidding and minimize braking time on icy or wet surfaces.
10. Cognizant of Road Conditions:
11. Use real-time weather monitoring tools to monitor changing road conditions, closures, and hazards to adapt your route accordingly.
12. Regular Vehicle Maintenance:
13. Frequently check your vehicle's tires, brakes, windshield wipers, defrosters, and lights to ensure optimal functionality before each drive.

By adhering to these suggestions, drivers can successfully circumvent winter hazards, enhancing safety on highways.