Seasonal changes to the Road Traffic Rules – we will drive slower on motorways and highways
The State Enterprise Lithuanian Road Administration (hereinafter – the Road Administration) reminds that from November 1, the seasonal changes to the Road Traffic Rules start to apply on the Lithuanian roads – we will drive slower, will replace summer tires with winter tires. From November 1 to March 31, it will be possible to drive on motorways and highways by passenger cars at a speed not exceeding 110 km per hour. Although this is the maximum permitted speed, drivers must, taking into account the condition of the road surface and the weather conditions, drive at a safe speed, which is always lower than the maximum permitted speed.
‘Cloudy with drizzle weather, rain, falling leaves – such is the daily routine of the autumn days. Therefore, we advise drivers to drive slower in such weather and traffic conditions, keep a greater distance from other cars, drive without rushing. About 90 percent of travel success depends on human actions. It is therefore very important to make the right decisions when on the road. Driving at unsafe speed, exceeding of the permitted speed are the most common causes of traffic accidents. Therefore, we remind drivers to always drive at a safe speed’, – told Remigijus Lipkevičius, Director of the Road Administration.
Temperature differences in autumn lead to more frequent fog formation. Both darkness and fog reduce visibility. Therefore, drivers should take this into account, slow down and drive at a safe speed. Drivers often underestimate the fact that the road surface can be slippery in the presence of fog. The fallen, damp or wet tree leaves represent another common danger in autumn, which drivers also underestimate. They can also cause the car to slip. Therefore, drivers should be very careful and slow down then driving on the road sections with a lot of fallen tree leaves.
It is important not only to drive at a safe speed, but also to keep the required distance from another vehicle. A safe distance is individual for each driver, depending on the well-being, skills of the driver, traffic conditions. A safe distance is that obtained by converting the speedometer readings into meters and dividing in half, that is, when driving at a speed of 50 km/h, a safe distance is 25 meters.
A greater distance should be also observed when traffic conditions are more complicated, for example, when it rains, it is wet, the road is covered with fog, snow, etc. When driving in such conditions and braking the car, the braking distance is longer. Drivers should remember that on rainy autumn days and nights there is also a risk of aquaplaning, when the tires can no longer push out the accumulated excess water, and, as a result, adhesion to the road surface is lost.
Tires in good condition ensure adhesion to the road surface. Worn or old tires, especially on wet and cold asphalt, will adhere to the road surface not so effectively, which will not only prolong the braking distance, but the driver may also be unable to avoid a traffic accident.
Drivers should not forget that from November 10 (until March 31) it is prohibited to operate motor vehicles, except mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles, quadricycles of all types and trailers with summer tires. Studded tires can be used from November 1 (until April 10). However, when such tires are used, the prescribed distinctive sign – a white equilateral triangle with a red border with the tire stud symbol in the middle must be affixed to the rear of the vehicle.
It is largely up to us whether our travel will be safe. Therefore, all road users must understand that everyone is responsible for safe participation in traffic.