The sudden cold weather and accompanying snow had a negative impact on driving conditions, especially on country roads. By not assessing dangerous driving conditions, not choosing a safe speed and a safe distance, drivers risked causing or getting into a traffic accident by making dangerous maneuvers.
According to the data of “Lietuvos dramidu”, last week the number of registered claims for civil liability insurance of residents reached almost 550. This is 14 percent. more compared to the statistical average for the same period last year.
The reserved amount to compensate the damages suffered by the residents of this type of insurance during the last week reached 366 thousand. EUR., data from “Lietuvos drimadu” show. The average payment for such damage was about 670 euros.
A common question that insurers get is whether driving summer tires in these weather conditions and getting into a traffic accident is considered covered.
“Lietuvos dramudis” experts remind that, as every year, from April 1 cars on national roads can be operated with summer tires, so driving with summer tires these days is not a violation of road rules.
The decision whether and when after April 1 to start using summer tires, drivers decide on their own, taking into account the expected weather conditions, the expected intensity of driving, whether they will be driving on local roads, which are usually less well-maintained, and so on.
In April, driving conditions can actually change almost daily. There may be snow and sleet, so drivers should definitely assess the weather conditions while sitting behind the wheel of the car. In bad weather conditions, it is important to choose a safe speed, keep a safe distance and allow yourself more time for your journey.
The main enemy of safe travel is usually excessive speed, which makes safe maneuvering difficult and increases stopping distance. In addition, it is important not to forget the safe distance – a frequent cause of traffic accidents is failure to maintain the distance, when the car in front does not have time to react when braking suddenly and a collision becomes inevitable.
“Lietuvos drimadu” experts point out that the quality of the tires themselves is no less important. If the used tires are already worn, this significantly increases the probability of a traffic accident and may affect the assessment of the circumstances of the insured event.
In the case of summer tires, the minimum allowable tire tread depth is 1.6 mm, but experts advise not to wait until the tread depth approaches the critical limit, and for maximum safety, you should replace the tires with new ones earlier.
According to the currently valid procedure, the mandatory replacement of car tires takes place only once a year – from November 10. cars must be operated only with winter tires.
