So you are safe on the road in snow and ice

Expect low temperatures and frost in the coming days. This causes chaos in the streets. But also on foot, the weather should not be underestimated: between November and February, nearly a third of all accidents involving falls are caused by snow and ice. Even in this weather, you should follow a few tips to keep you safe in traffic and on foot.

Safe on foot

When you have to walk on an icy surface, it’s time to put aside graceful walking. This means: waddle like a penguin! When you stand up, turn your toes outward and put weight on your entire foot. This provides stability. Also, if you slide on ice, you tend to tip over backwards. If you lean slightly forward while walking, you will lose your balance less quickly.

The motto when it comes to winter shoes is: The more friction, the better. Because rather low shoes quickly turn into useless ice skates in the cold, so it is better to use a more profiled model on the sole.

True black ice professionals nail their shoes with nails. These devices simply attach to regular shoes, just like attaching snow chains to a car tire. Thanks to the metal parts at the bottom, you have a good grip on icy surfaces. Those who prefer to use home remedies can stick rubber seals of canning jars around their shoes or plaster on the soles of their shoes.

traveling by bike

As with shoe soles, the same applies to Velopneus: the more profile, the better. If you have a choice, you would prefer to use a mountain bike rather than a racing bike in winter. If you’re planning a bike tour that runs practically only through snow and ice, you can also purchase special tires with metal elements, also called spikes. However, spikes are not recommended if you primarily drive in the city or on asphalt. Even on frost-free floors, you lose your grip thanks to metal nails.

In cold, wet weather, cyclists face another danger: the dynamos, which are supposed to power the bike’s headlights, glide over the tires in wet conditions without producing any light. Therefore, you should use other bicycle headlights, especially in the dark season.

In general, you should move a little slower on the bike in winter. Keep a few meters distance from other vehicles, brake earlier and do not over speed. In the event of an unexpected breakdown, setting the seat a little lower than normal helps. In an emergency, you can descend faster or avoid falling.

There is no problem with the vehicle.

Winter tires are a must. It is made of a material that provides better traction in cold weather and has more grooves than summer tires. The braking distance on snow and ice is approximately 30 meters longer with summer tyres.

In addition to the safety aspect, there’s another good reason for winter tires: If you’re involved in an accident and you don’t have winter tires, you’ll be in trouble with the insurance company. This can reduce your benefits or recourse to you for costs.

Once you’ve cleared your car of snow and ice, you’re ready to go. Keep yourself comfortable and warm in the car so the windows dim less. You should definitely take off your winter boots and coat, otherwise your mobility at the wheel will be restricted.

The motto when it comes to driving style is: always nice and slow, precise and in slightly higher gears. If the tires are spinning on take off, you can also try in second gear. You should also drive much more distance in winter than in high temperatures because even with winter tires the braking distance is significantly longer.