As of: January 19, 2024, 5:20 a.m
By: Romina Kunze
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It's not just the risk of accidents that increases with snow and ice.
If drivers are surprised by the weather, they can become stranded in their vehicle.
Provision should be made for this eventuality.
Kassel – The winter weather has had Germany firmly in its grip for days.
Heavy snowfall, lightning ice and icy conditions are largely disrupting traffic on the road, rail and air.
The situation is not expected to ease any time soon - it will remain wintry even at the end of the week.
From the Eifel and the Cologne area via the Rothaar Mountains to Thuringia, people have to prepare for “persistent and sometimes heavy snowfalls,” warns the German Weather Service (DWD).
“Storm-like amounts of fresh snow” of up to 30 centimeters must be expected within 24 hours.
The result: “significant traffic disruptions and risk of snow breakage”.
But the danger isn't always just on the road.
Many people travel carelessly - experts strongly recommend appropriate tire tread in winter
Experience shows that snow and traffic rarely mix well.
At the beginning of December, winter arrived in Germany almost overnight;
and caused severe traffic chaos.
According to weather experts from the DWD, snowfall “repeatedly causes problems” on the roads, especially in the lowlands.
Anyone who drives in winter without appropriate tires is acting negligently.
“The adhesion between the tires and the road is zero,” warns the ADAC.
(Symbolic photo) © Jan Eifert/Imago
This is often because many drivers do not use winter tires.
There is no general winter tire requirement in Germany, but there is a situational requirement.
Anyone caught using summer tires in winter conditions will face a fine.
A graphic from the ADAC shows the difference the tires make: at a moderate speed of 50 km/h, the braking distance with summer tires on ice increases by up to 200 meters;
and therefore twice as far as with winter tires.
In snow, you only come to a stop after an additional 50 to 70 meters.
“If wind is added to the snowfall, this often leads to the formation of drifts,” say the experts.
“This also affects road traffic.
In extreme cases, road traffic comes to a standstill.” This is what happened on the night of Thursday (January 18th).
Don't go unprepared in winter weather: Tips for drivers in an emergency
However, to properly prepare for snow chaos, drivers need more than just the right tire tread.
The DWD recommends keeping the tank sufficiently filled.
Warm clothing and blankets should also be carried in the car in case of an emergency.
Also drinks and food - in case you get stuck in the snow or are in a complete closure.
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And even those who are allowed to drive shouldn't always.
According to the ADAC, the only solution in extreme winter conditions is to leave the car parked and wait for the road service, for example in freezing rain.
“The adhesion between the tires and the road is zero,” the car club informs about driving from a distance.
It can sometimes take a while for appropriate help to arrive - the appropriate precautions make it easier to endure.
But: A safe journey begins with standing.
If visibility is not clear due to frozen windows, you should not drive off.
Falling snow and ice: the onset of winter is not without its dangers, even on foot
The snow quake is not just a problem for drivers.
Pedestrians and cyclists should also be careful and forests should be avoided if possible.
The German Alpine Club warns: “Heavy snowfall can cause branches and tree tops to break off.
Some of them fall to the ground, some of them are still hanging in the trees.”
The snow load sometimes causes trees and branches to break (snow breakage);
Freezing rain also has this effect (ice breakage).
Forest sections that are difficult to reach with machines may not be able to be completely cleared.
“Strong winds can therefore shake loose branches from the tree and fall onto walkers and winter sports enthusiasts passing by,” says the Alpine Club.
Forest visitors should exercise extreme caution in areas with heavy snow.
Experts recommend the “Help in the Forest” app.
Caution is also required on frozen waters.
Isolated patches of dew can hide under snowdrifts and cause a fall into ice-cold water.
(rku with dpa)