Weather conditions

Bad weather increases the risks considerably. In rain the road surface becomes slippery and the braking distance increases; reduce your speed and increase your following distance. In fog with visibility below 200 metres front fog lights are permitted; below 50 metres the rear fog light may also be on. In fog never drive faster than you can see. In snow and ice the braking distance can become up to 10 times longer — brake early and gradually and accelerate gently. Example: you are driving in dense fog and can see about 40 metres ahead. You then switch on dipped headlights and fog lights (front and rear) and adjust your speed so that you can stop within those 40 metres — in practice often well below the posted limit. As soon as visibility rises above 50 metres, switch the rear fog light off again so you do not dazzle the traffic behind you. Around 0°C be extra alert for black ice, especially on bridges and in shaded areas.