📋 Tender Overview
Snow and ice are risk factors on the roads which can worsen road passability and visibility. According to BESIP prevention is key in winter. Thorough vehicle preparation proper use of snow chains and adapting driving style to current conditions are essential for what drivers should pay attention to.
The winter period places increased demands on drivers technical readiness and their ability to react. Special attention should be paid to driving on ice and snow. The road surface can change even within a few meters. Therefore it is necessary to adjust speed to current conditions not just to the permitted limits. On bridges in forested and shaded sections or on wet roads at temperatures around zero there is a risk of ice forming even where the driver does not expect it. Blue directional posts alert drivers to bridge sections where the road is prone to icing.
Smooth driving without sudden braking acceleration and jerky movements of the steering wheel is crucial as well as maintaining a safe distance from vehicles ahead at least at the level of two seconds.
Another often underestimated risk is an insufficiently cleaned vehicle. Snow-covered or frozen windows significantly limit the drivers visibility and driving with limited visibility violates traffic rules. A driver can be fined up to 1500 crowns for an uncleared vehicle. Additionally snow or ice from the roof of the car can loosen while driving and endanger other road users.
Although the road traffic law states that a driver must not disturb others with excessive noise or by leaving the engine of a stationary vehicle running this prohibition does not apply when it is necessary to ensure some vehicle functions which can occur at very low temperatures.
In some cases snow chains can be a great help. It is ideal to practice putting them on before the winter season for example in a parking lot. This way you can avoid stress when putting them on for the first time in snow and frost. Always follow the manufacturers instructions. Different types of chains may vary in the procedure for putting them on. They do not have to be put on perfectly; what is key is their proper fastening and tightening and after a few meters of driving it is advisable to check their seating. It is also important to prepare equipment such as gloves a flashlight and a kneeling pad which should be easily accessible in the vehicle.
When snow chains are on the speed of the car must not exceed 50 km/h. Additionally there is always a general obligation to adjust speed to the state of the road weather and circumstances. Damaged chains should not be used as there is a risk of them breaking damaging brakes or poor ABS control.
The obligation to put on snow chains arises in some cases by law where it is specified by the traffic sign Use of anti-skid chains. This sign mandates the use of chains on the driven wheels of the vehicle under difficult conditions for the entire duration of the section marked by this sign if the road is covered with a continuous layer of snow or ice.
In the case of snow chains it also applies that they are not used on bare asphalt. In this case there is a risk of damaging the vehicle the chains and the road surface itself. At the same time the vehicles handling and its ability to brake or react in the way the driver is used to and expects changes again.
In case of crisis situations or getting stuck in traffic it is important to always have enough fuel. It is also advisable to have drinks small snacks and a blanket in the car.
If possible in terms of traffic and safe movement on the road it is advisable to test the vehicles response when braking and turning on a snowy/icy road.
Responsible preparation and a calm driving style are the basic prerequisites for a safe journey.
