Today, November 19, road signs for the maximum permissible summer speed of 110 km/h will be removed on Estonian national roads, and lower winter speed limits will apply. The weather conditions have changed to winter and there is a risk of slippage on the roads.
On sections of 2+1 and certain 2+2 roads, the speed limit remains 100 km/h. A higher speed is established in those places where the traffic environment is ready for it. In those sections where there is a greater risk of accidents involving wild animals and pedestrians, the speed will be kept at 90 km/h for the winter. On road sections with traffic signs with variable information, the maximum permitted driving speed is set to 110 km/h during daylight hours in good driving conditions.
“It is important for road users to remember that the highest permitted speed limit is not always a safe speed. You have to monitor the road and driving conditions and choose the corresponding speed,” said Siim Vaikmaa, head of the Traffic Management Center of the Transport Board. “In winter road conditions, it is worth avoiding overtaking, but if it is necessary to do so, it should be taken into account that overtaking can take significantly more time, and since overtaking lanes are limited in length on 2+1 roads, this dangerous maneuver should be avoided. Even on 2+2 roads, the slipperiness of the road surface can be different in different lanes when overtaking.”
On the Laagri-Ääsmäe section of the Tallinn–Pärnu–Ikla highway, on the Peetri–Mäo section of the Tallinn–Tartu–Võru–Luhamaa highway, and on the Väo–Kanama section of the Tallinn ring road, the Traffic Management Center of the Transport Board has the right to establish a maximum permitted speed of up to 110 km/h with traffic signs with variable information in good driving conditions on white and up to 100 km/h in the dark. Driving conditions are determined taking into account the measurement results of road weather stations located in the area.
For the winter, the speed limit will be up to 110 km/h on a total of 250.3 kilometers and 100 km/h on a total of 108.3 kilometers.
The speed must be reduced, because the drop in temperatures leads to a greater risk of slippage. In order to reach the destination safely, drivers must choose a driving speed and a safe driving style according to the road conditions. A slippery road in winter requires greater attention from drivers and consideration for other road users. In addition to possible slippery conditions, the high percentage of dark hours also makes driving more dangerous.
Before starting the journey, it is worth checking the road conditions on the Tark Tee portal.
In addition, the agency reminded that all passenger cars must have winter tires on them by December 1 at the latest.
2024-11-19 07:59:00
#today #winter #speed #limits #apply #highways
What safety advice would you give to drivers during the winter season?
**Interview with Siim Vaikmaa, Head of the Traffic Management Center of the Transport Board (Estonia)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Siim. With the winter season setting in, can you explain the recent changes to speed limits on Estonian national roads?
**Siim Vaikmaa:** Thank you for having me. As of today, we have removed the maximum permissible summer speed limits of 110 km/h on our national roads. Instead, we are implementing lower winter speed limits due to changing weather conditions that increase the risk of slippage on the roads.
**Editor:** That sounds crucial for road safety. Can you detail what the new speed limits will be?
**Siim Vaikmaa:** Certainly. For sections that are marked as 2+1 and certain 2+2 roads, the speed limit will remain at 100 km/h. However, in areas where there is a higher risk of accidents, particularly those that involve pedestrians and wildlife, we are lowering the speed limit to 90 km/h. Additionally, on sections equipped with variable information signs, we may allow a maximum speed of 110 km/h during daylight hours, but only in good driving conditions.
**Editor:** Safety is always a priority. What advice would you give to drivers during this winter season?
**Siim Vaikmaa:** It’s important for drivers to remember that the maximum permissible speed limit is not always the safest speed for current conditions. I encourage everyone to closely monitor the road and driving environment and adjust their speed accordingly. During winter conditions, it’s best to avoid overtaking unless absolutely necessary.
**Editor:** That’s excellent advice. As we head into winter, what else should drivers keep in mind?
**Siim Vaikmaa:** In addition to adjusting speeds, drivers should also ensure their vehicles are winter-ready. This includes checking tire conditions, ensuring proper windshield wipers, and being prepared for changing weather conditions at all times. A cautious approach will help keep everyone safe on the roads.
**Editor:** Thank you, Siim, for sharing these vital insights. It’s essential for drivers to stay informed and safe during the winter months.
**Siim Vaikmaa:** Thank you for having me. Safe driving!
