Snow and ice make driving difficult across Latvia

Take note – story published 1 year ago

Difficult driving conditions were being experienced on Saturday morning due to icing and substantial snowfall in many eastern and central parts of Latvia, representatives of Latvian State Roads (LVC) said. 

43 technical units are at work on the roads clearing snow and gritting.

Among the country's main roads, driving is difficult on the Rīga ring road (Salaspils-Babīte) (A5) in its entire length, on the Bauska highway (A7) in the section from Rīga to Iecava, on the Jelgava highway (A8) in the section from Rīga to Olaine, on the Liepāja highway (A9 ) in the section from Rīga to Kaģi and in the section from the Apšupe intersection to Annenieki, on the Ventspils highway (A10) in the section from Rīga to Kūdra, on the Rēzekne highway (A12) in the section from Varakļani to Terehova, on the Grebņeva-Medumi highway (A13) in the section from Špogi to Grebneva, as well as the entire length of the Daugavpils bypass (A14) and the entire length of the Rēzekne bypass (A15).

Driving on many regional roads is difficult in the vicinity of Krāslava, Limbaži, Ludza, Preiļi, Rēzekne, Rīga and Tukums.

Three people were killed Friday when two trucks and a car collided in slippery conditions on the A3 highway at Murjāni.

You can see a live map of driving conditions cross the country on the LVC website: https://lvceli.lv/#_brauksanas_apstakli_ziema

Although winter tires are mandatory only from December 1, police are asking drivers not to drive with a vehicle that is still equipped with summer tires. The only exception to this may be going to the garage to change summer tires to winter tires, but "maximum caution must be observed while driving," police said.

The minimum tread depth for winter tires is 4 mm.

"Also, in snowy weather, you should be extremely careful and cautious - you should choose an appropriate driving manner, drive wisely, slowly, choosing a speed appropriate for the road surface, and also keep a safe distance from the car in front," police advise.

"In order for the journey to proceed without rush and to avoid dangerous situations, we invite drivers to set off in good time, as well as to allow for a longer time to reach the destination. Also, before leaving, you must prepare your vehicle according to the following weather conditions - clear snow or ice from both the car's windows and lights, as well as clean the car's body, so as not to create dangerous situations for the cars driving behind, as well as for yourself."

From the beginning of this year to November 24, 3,692 people were injured in road traffic accidents in Latvia and 108 have died.

 

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