There is danger in many places – how drivers recognize black ice and how to protect themselves from accidents

Driving in winter is often a challenge and a test of patience. You have to allow more time when it’s snowing, visibility is often poor due to badly scratched windows and then there is also the increased risk of accidents due to ice.

Snow and slush are usually easy to see and you can be prepared for the fact that it could get slippery in some places when driving. However, the black ice is much more treacherous, as it forms much faster and is also more difficult to recognize – especially in the dark.

Here we explain what you have to look out for in traffic and what you can do to prevent black ice.

Where is the danger of black ice greatest

Black ice is so dangerous because it can hardly be seen and can occur very suddenly. As soon as water gets onto the ice-cold road, a wafer-thin layer of ice forms – this is difficult to see, especially at dusk or in the dark.

Just at

light rain or fog
as well as in the

morning hours
the risk is particularly high. On

shady

places
the risk is also higher because they are not thawed by sunlight. Typical locations for black ice are:

• Roads in and on forests
• places exposed to weather such as bridges
• roads near water

Black ice usually occurs at temperatures that fluctuate around the freezing point. For example, freshly fallen snow can melt and then immediately turn to ice.

Pay attention to the weather forecast

In winter, always find out about the weather conditions before setting off. In addition to the radio, applications such as the snow radar will also help you. If necessary, you can plan more time to drive particularly slowly in critical passages.

But note: self

SECTION
,

snow chains
and other modern security measures are against black ice

ineffective
. If in doubt, postpone your journey or, if possible, use alternative means of transport to get to your destination.

Important when driving

However, if you are forced to use your car, make sure you have it with you

the following tools
are prepared for the cold:

Don’t let the engine run ahead! In addition to environmental pollution and engine damage, there is a penalty of 80 euros.

Customize yours

speed
the weather conditions. This is not only required by law, but saves you money and time in case of doubt and prevents injuries and damage to you and other road users.

The following driving tips are also worth noting:

• keep more distance
• brake carefully
• smooth steering movements
• Pause driving if it is raining
• Be careful where you sprinkle

Choosing winter tires correctly

As soon as black ice, snow, slush, ice or frost appear, the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations stipulate winter tires. That

Alpine icon
identifies all approved tires.

Although not quite equivalent, M+S tires will still be classified as suitable for winter use until September 30, 2024 – but only if they were manufactured by December 31, 2017.

The importance becomes clear when you compare the braking distances of summer and winter tires. Drive with only

50 km/h
this results in the following distances to standstill:

on snow

In the case of lightning ice, on the other hand, even

• 140 to 200 meters with summer tires

• 70 to 100 meters with winter tires

If you are driving without winter tires, there is a threat

fine
in the amount of 60 euros and one point in Flensburg. In the event of a traffic obstruction, it is even 80 euros.

Should an accident occur, even the

insurance benefits are reduced
. According to the StVO, the driver of the vehicle is to be held liable. So make sure you have the right type of tires on rental vehicles too.