What are winter road conditions?
It can be insidious to drive a car in winter when the roads are getting slippery. Slippery winter roads cause many car accidents, often because people find it difficult to cope with the surface in unforeseen circumstances. At the same time, many people take to the roads in the winter for Christmas and holidays to visit loved ones. When it snows, many people are more cautious in their driving because the danger is clear.
Most treacherous, however, is the black ice, also known as patchy ice. It strikes when roads freeze over and is not visible to the naked eye. Nevertheless, many people don't think twice when the first slip hits and carry on driving as normal. If you don't pay extra attention in your driving and keep the same speed through a curve with ice patches, you could end up very badly. A few tips to keep in mind when heading out on winter roads:
- Adapt your speed to the road conditions
- Be patient! Don't rush forward and be considerate of your fellow road users
- Make sure to keep your distance
- Avoid hard braking and use small steering wheel movements
Make sure you pay attention to your driving in winter - think of everyone's safety and slow down in traffic!
How do you detect slipping?
The hail can strike when you least expect it, but there are factors to bear in mind to prepare for winter road conditions:
- The temperature is higher than +4°
- It won't splatter under your car when you drive, even if it looks wet or damp. This is a sign that the water on the road has frozen - so be on your guard!
- The risk of slipping is particularly high at intersections because the snow is often packed hard by skidding cars where the tyres "polish" the snow
- Be aware that shaded parts of the road surface can often be slippery, so-called patchy slipperiness
- There is a particularly high risk of slipping on bridges and viaducts because the cold air cools both from below and from above
The great dangers of winter
Undercooled rain
Is the temperature around 0°C? Then there is a high risk that the rain will freeze immediately when it hits the road, so-called supercooled rain. The road becomes glassy, but since it is not visible, it is a major hazard for road users.
Snow strings
Tracks often form in the snow where many people ride in the lane. In the grooves, the grip is usually good, but if you go outside, it's easy to lose it. It is therefore best to avoid overtaking in such conditions.
Snörök
Vehicles in front of you can create snow smoke when it's cold and snowing, caused by the tyres tearing up the freshly fallen snow. Make sure you keep an extra distance from the vehicle in front in such situations.
For wide ploughing
If it has snowed a lot, the road markings are hidden under the snow. Instead, you start to rely on ploughing, but this can be insidious. For example, the plough truck may have ploughed some distance off the road and if you drive too far out there is a risk that you will sink into the snow and drive into a ditch. To keep track of the actual width of the road, plough sticks are a good guide!
Equipped for winter driving
It often comes as a surprise when the first slippery patch hits when driving in winter and many people get behind the wheel without thinking that it can be several degrees below zero outside. It's only when an accident occurs and the car no longer starts that you realise how ill-equipped you are to drive in winter. The warmth fades quickly and it may be a while before a tow truck shows up. Remember to always carry:
- Warm clothes & shoes
- Mobile phone (and maybe a powerbank to charge the batteries?)
- Snow shovel
- Bogserlina
- Reflective vest
- Jumper cables
- Ice scraper
Also remember to keep an eye on the weather forecast. Trafikverket often updates with local information to help you plan your route. Always wear a seatbelt and leave your phone untouched if you're at the wheel. Should you feel the slightest bit unsure, consider what other options there are to get to your destination.
Between 1 December and 31 March, the use of winter tyres on winter roads is compulsory. Between 1 October and 15 April you can also use studded tyres. For passenger cars, tyres must have a tread depth of at least 3 mm.
If the accident occurs
If you witness an accident or are injured yourself, the first thing you should do is warn your fellow road users. Turn on your hazard lights and place a warning triangle about 50-100 metres from where the accident occurred. Make sure you leave the scene - it is not safe to stay by the car or the road. When you are a safe distance from the scene of the accident, you can alert the emergency services and contact a car rescue service.
At Jarla Trafikskola, we will train you with the important skills for your driving licence. Book your personalised driving lessons with us today!
Other articles that may interest you
