Onset of winter: Twice as many accidents with snow
On days with wintry conditions, twice as many accidents can occur. AXA Insurance says it records up to 400 claims on an average day. However, an adapted driving style and the use of intact winter tires can prevent many accidents.
The onset of winter in the lowlands can lead to difficult conditions on the road in many places. High humidity or fog usually create an additional film of moisture that becomes dangerous on the asphalt and at temperatures around freezing point. In such weather conditions, a particularly adapted driving style is called for.
On an average day with wintry conditions, AXA records around 400 claims, the insurance company writes in a statement. In most cases, bad weather conditions can lead to twice as many accidents at once. From an outside temperature of 3 degrees, there is also an increased risk of slippery roads on bridges and forest aisles.
Check winter tires and choose adapted driving style
In addition, visibility is often poor due to rain, snow and fog, which can be an additional challenge for drivers. These hazards can be countered with sufficient distance and an adapted driving style or reduced speed. Fog in particular can thicken locally from one minute to the next, writes AXA.
AXA also writes: Many people sometimes do not switch directly to winter tires when the first snow falls. This is one of the reasons why the number of accidents on the roads suddenly skyrockets at the onset of winter. AXA urgently advises to mount winter tires by the end of October of each year at the latest. In addition, winter tires should be used that are no more than four years old and have at least four millimeters of tread.
AXA summarizes road traffic prevention in current weather conditions in nine tips:
- Check winter tires - at least 4 mm tread depth
- Have winter check in the garage
- Carry safety equipment, ice scraper and snow chains in the car
- Starting with feeling (especially on snow and ice)
- Drive with foresight, keep a safe distance
- Avoid abrupt steering maneuvers
- Choose a route adapted to the weather conditions
- Leave in good time and allow sufficient time
- Take regular breaks when traveling long distances
Source: AXA Versicherungen/Editorial Office
