The hazards associated with icy roads include a sudden danger of skidding, road and air travel coming to a standstill, disruption to rail travel, falling branches breaking under the weight of ice, and falling trees.
Potential impact and hazard categories of icy road conditions
The following precautions should be taken in preparation for icy road conditions in order to get through the winter safely, both as a pedestrian and a driver (of a car, motorbike, bicycle, etc.):
When the roads are slippery, it is especially important that you adjust your driving to the road conditions.
It is recommended that you:
Many accidents in winter are the result of ice on the roads, particularly involving cars that are not fitted with winter tyres or drivers who do not adjust their speed to take account of the conditions or who drive too closely to the vehicle in front of them. Pedestrians can also be injured, by slipping on an icy pavement, for example.
What can be done?