Sudden changes in weather, such as storms, temperature drops or sandstorms, can dramatically affect safety and traffic flow. Such situations often turn from harmless to very serious unexpectedly. In the past years, we have seen several situations with both snowdrifts and snow-covered vehicles, as well as with sudden fog and winds.
Is there a way for road managers and drivers to prepare for these changes?
Infrastructure problems due to storms
Storm winds often cause downed trees, damage to traffic signs and traffic lights. Power outages are also frequent. Manholes and drains are also sometimes blocked, which can lead to road flooding and create dangerous situations for drivers.
Sudden changes in temperature can also lead to structural problems in some infrastructure elements.
In this sense, it is difficult to devise preventive measures. However, regular maintenance and checking the integrity of both road elements and signaling and drainage is practically half the job. Road managers, like the whole society, will have to adapt to climate change. Unfortunately, the sudden changes in weather that we experience these days can become a part of our everyday life. That’s why maybe we should be more proactive in traffic. However, the rising temperature trends of recent decades may be a factor in planning for the future.
Winter and summer tires
Sudden weather changes, especially during the winter season, require drivers to be careful and use the right tires. Driving with summer tires on snow or ice can be extremely dangerous and can lead to loss of vehicle control, while using winter tires in summer conditions can affect vehicle stability and braking.
However, it is difficult to predict extremely low temperatures in April and May. Drivers who have already switched to summer tires should drive a little more carefully in case of low temperatures. Special attention should be paid to tire pressure, as sudden changes in temperature can affect it.
The impact of dust and sandstorms on the visibility and correctness of the vehicle
Sandstorms, characteristic of some areas, can reduce visibility on the road and cause slippery surfaces. They are not common in the Balkans, but they obviously happen. Driving in these conditions is similar to driving in fog, so it is necessary to adjust both speed and light signaling.
The dust raised during these storms can also reduce the vehicle’s filter change interval. You should definitely not run to the mechanic right away, but you should keep in mind if your vehicle has a problem.
Impact on traffic safety
All these factors together can significantly change traffic conditions. Reduced visibility, slippery surfaces and damaged infrastructure create a risk of collisions and injuries. Drivers must adapt to changing road conditions, increasing driving distance and alertness.
On the other hand, road managers must be ready for a quick reaction. And it would be good to devise preventive measures before the storm and have procedures for reacting in these cases.
