The Directorate of Motor Roads of Lithuania reminds that from November 1 Lithuanian roads Road Traffic Rules come into force (KET) seasonal requirements - we will drive more slowly, change summer tires. From November 1 until March 31 passenger cars will be allowed to drive at a maximum speed of 110 km/h on motorways and highways. Although this is the maximum permitted speed, drivers must choose a safe speed, which is always lower than the maximum permitted speed, taking into account the condition of the road surface and weather conditions.
"Dargana, rain, falling leaves are the daily routine of autumn days, so we advise drivers to drive more slowly in such weather and traffic conditions, keep a longer distance, and take their time on the road. The success of the trip is about 90 percent. depends on human actions, so it is very important to make the right decisions when participating in traffic. Not choosing a safe speed, exceeding the speed limit is the most common cause of traffic accidents, so we constantly remind drivers to always choose their speed responsibly," said Remigijus Lipkevičius, director of the Road Directorate.
In autumn, due to the temperature difference, fog forms more often. Both darkness and fog reduce visibility, so drivers should take this into account and reduce their driving speed to a safe level. Drivers often underestimate that the road surface can be slippery in fog. A common fall hazard that is also underestimated by drivers is fallen, damp or wet tree leaves. They can cause the car to skid, so drivers should be very careful and reduce speed when driving on road sections where there are a lot of fallen tree leaves.
In addition to choosing a safe speed, the distance from another vehicle is also important. The safe distance for each driver is individual, depending on the driver's well-being, skills, and traffic conditions. The safe distance is what the speedometer reading would be if you converted it to meters and divided it in half, that is, if you are moving at 50 km/h. speed, the safe distance is 25 meters.
A longer distance should also be observed when the traffic conditions are more difficult: raining, wet, fog on the road, snow, etc. Driving in such conditions and braking the car increases the stopping distance. Drivers should remember that on rainy autumn days and nights, there is also a risk of aquaplaning, when the tires are no longer able to expel the accumulated excess water, which results in a loss of grip on the road surface.
Grip with the road surface is ensured by tires in good condition. Worn or old tires, especially on wet and cold asphalt, will have a poorer grip on the road surface, and as a result, not only will the stopping distance be longer, but the driver may not be able to avoid a traffic accident.
Drivers should remember that from November 10 (until March 31) it is prohibited to operate motor vehicles, except for mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles, all types of quadricycles, and trailers with summer tires. You can drive with studded tires from November 1. (until April 10), but when using such tires, the prescribed distinguishing mark - a white equilateral triangle with a red rim and a tire stud symbol in the middle - must be affixed to the rear of the car.
Whether our journeys are safe depends largely on ourselves. Therefore, all road users must understand that everyone is responsible for safe participation in traffic.
