Winter chaos on Black Forest roads as icy conditions spark multiple crashes
Dangerous winter conditions have led to a surge in road accidents across the High Black Forest. Over the weekend, police recorded multiple incidents, with icy roads and careless driving blamed for the crashes. Authorities are now warning motorists to take extra care while travelling in the region.
The Polizeipräsidium Freiburg logged numerous collisions between Friday and Monday. The B317 federal highway, running between Bärental and Titisee, saw some of the worst incidents. One driver lost control on the icy surface, skidding off the road and hitting guardrails. The accident triggered secondary collisions, adding to the disruption.
On Monday morning, a semi-truck veered off the B31 near Neustadt. Meanwhile, other accidents were scattered across Titisee-Neustadt, Lenzkirch, and Löffingen. Causes ranged from failing to yield to a suspected case of drunk driving. Most incidents resulted in vehicle damage, though a small number of people suffered minor injuries.
Police reports indicate that some accidents stemmed from reckless behaviour, while others were purely down to treacherous road conditions. The repeated incidents have prompted calls for drivers to adjust their speed and remain vigilant.
The spike in accidents has left roads damaged and emergency services stretched. While injuries were mostly minor, the financial toll from vehicle repairs and traffic delays is expected to be significant. Police continue to monitor the situation as cold weather persists in the area.