Fog, rain and snow: the dangers of the road at Christmas

According to the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), 31% of deaths correspond to accidents that occurred during winter

weather conditions and
the fewest hours of daylight make travel more difficult during the coldest months of the year. Experts recommend keeping maintenance up-to-date and planning the route, something essential all winter long, but especially relevant around Christmas when the number of road trips increases.

According to data from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT), 31% of fatalities are due to winter accidents and slightly less, 30%, to hospital injuries.

“In the winter,
The main problems it’s the poor visibility and the slippery road surface,” explains Jorge Castellanos, Road Safety Coordinator of the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE). As the rest of the year, the most dangerous routes are secondary roads, where on average 80% of accidents occur. “All types of vehicles come together in it and all the problems that can arise in winter are exacerbated,” explains Castellanos.

The arrival of the cold season brings unfavorable meteorological phenomena that are very common on these dates, such as fog, rain and snowfall, factors that we must take into account before heading into the Christmas outing.
To avoid complications behind the wheel and circulate safely, drivers must have technical equipment in perfect condition (battery, tyres, brake pads and discs, lights, fluid levels, windshield wipers, etc.) and in turn review certain vehicle conditions as recommended by TÜV SÜD.

First of all, we remind you that it is mandatory to have the vehicle’s ITV up to date. Don’t forget to pass the inspection. Always respect the distance with other vehicles, keep in mind that on wet or icy roads you need more meters to stop safely.

Do not exceed the speed limits. While it is true that you always have to
respect the speed limits In any case, it is advisable to drive more slowly than usual in adverse weather conditions. Pay attention to roadside warnings from the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) and adjust your speed.

When performing maneuvers such as overtaking, changing lanes, etc., try to perform them smoothly and not abruptly. Do not use high beams when driving in fog. Use dipped, dipped or fog lights.

get ready
to drive in the rain, very common at this time of year. In heavy rain, you must turn on the lights, even if you are driving during the day. Check that the tires have the correct pressure and tread depth.

Jaime González, director of the driving school of the European Automobile Commissioner (CEA), recommends that the tires be inflated to the maximum pressure indicated by the manufacturer when driving on ice or snow and, once in motion, to adjust the speed to the weather conditions, “anticipating and looking far in order to better react to unforeseen events and, above all, to keep a greater safety distance,
equal to at least 3 seconds compared to the vehicle ahead of us,” he explains.

Control your speed when driving in wind and be extremely careful when overtaking large vehicles such as trucks. Keep an eye out for possible objects that could encroach on the road in very windy conditions.

If your vehicle has cruise control, we recommend disabling it in adverse weather conditions to maintain full control of your vehicle.
Don’t forget to include elements that will be very helpful in certain conditions, such as chains or winter tires to drive with maximum grip on icy or snowy surfaces. In addition, add two warning triangles or V-16 lighting, as well as at least a reflective vest. Also don’t forget to bring a spare wheel.

Bring warm clothes and food, as well as your fully charged smartphone and as full a fuel tank as possible. Keep in mind that there are situations on the road that are unpredictable and nothing prevents us from being in the middle of the road.

Other recommended items include a battery powered flashlight, an ice scraper, a first aid kit, etc.

Motorcycling, both on the road and in the city, presents dangers that we must be careful about. Before using the motorcycle, make sure that it is in optimum technical condition and that you have the MOT up to date.

Checking out
instructions where to find usage recommendations (tyre pressure, fluid level…)

Equip yourself properly with everything you need to protect yourself before riding your motorcycle: helmet (make sure it is approved), gloves, clothing with reinforced shoulders and knees, and good closed-toe shoes.

circular about
wet or damp asphalt It’s not recommended, but if you decide to do it, keep in mind that you’ll need to be a lot more careful and controlled than when you’re riding dry.

Stay alert at all times. It is very important to pay full attention to what is going on around you, especially when driving in the city.

Also keep in mind that it is an area where emergency braking is the order of the day. Keep a margin with everything around you and respect
the safety distance with other vehicles, especially on wet ground, this allows you to stop safely.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.