Call to Prepare in Advance for Changing Weather Conditions in Autumn

This month, road traffic accidents with fatalities highlight an atypically dangerous trend for the season – in addition to the increased risks during the autumn period concerning vulnerable road users, tragic consequences have also been caused by vehicle collisions and off-road incidents, including crashing into trees.

“With the onset of darker weather conditions, which are currently also related to the clock being set back by one hour, it is important to remember speed control and the use of safety belts. Unfortunately, alcohol consumption remains particularly significant at a time when we need to pay more attention to ensuring that pedestrians are not without reflectors. Additionally, forest animals are now more active, as evidenced by recent negative data where drivers have perished in these collisions with forest animals. All of this, especially before the onset of winter weather conditions, must be taken very seriously,” Jānis Kalniņš, Director of the Road Traffic Department of the Ministry of Transport, told Skonto media group.

The tragic road traffic accidents that have occurred repeatedly confirm the need to choose a speed appropriate to the road and visibility conditions and to refrain from risky overtaking maneuvers. The ministry emphasizes that with the onset of the dark time of day and worsening weather conditions, traffic safety is determined not only by road infrastructure but also by each road user's responsible behavior and ability to timely assess potential risks.

“In many areas, we strive to adopt the best practices from the Nordic countries, including in the field of traffic safety. Studies conducted in the Nordic countries also confirm what our specialists have said – road safety is determined not by one, but by a combination of several factors – appropriate driving speed, timely installation of winter tires, and cautious driving. Therefore, we urge drivers to change tires in time and already adapt driving habits to autumn and winter conditions,” emphasizes Jānis Kalniņš, Director of the Road Traffic Department of the Ministry of Transport.

The change in autumn weather conditions significantly affects the traction properties of the road surface, especially during rapid temperature fluctuations, precipitation, and the first frosts. As the temperature approaches +4 °C and drops further, drivers are urged to assess the suitability of summer tires for the actual driving conditions and to replace them with winter tires in a timely manner, without waiting for the mandatory winter tire usage period to begin.

Special caution is needed on bridges, overpasses, and road sections with increased moisture, as ice can form in these places earlier than on the rest of the road surface. Drivers are urged to maintain a greater distance, avoid sudden maneuvers, and take into account that even at positive air temperatures, traction can be significantly reduced in certain road sections.