On the night of Wednesday, the first snowfall in Northern Jutland again left its mark. On the Europavejen near Frederikshavn, two trucks skidded, and the motorway had to be closed for several hours. Several solo accidents in the area around Tversted and Hjørring underline a sad trend: when the snow falls, accidents follow.
Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, but material damage and delays are well-known consequences of the slippery road. The question is, can we as a society do more to prevent these situations? Should we reconsider whether the legislation regarding the use of winter tires in Denmark is sufficient?
While in Denmark it is permitted to drive on summer tires all year round, several of our neighboring countries have introduced clear rules which oblige motorists to adapt their choice of tires to the weather:
Sweden: It is legal to drive with winter tires from 1 December to 31 March, when the roads are covered with snow, ice or frost.
Norway: No nationwide requirement for winter tyres, but drivers must be adapted to the road conditions. In practice, this means that most people switch to winter tires in the winter.
Germany: Legal requirement for winter tires in wintry conditions, such as snow and ice. Fines are given if you cause danger on summer tyres.
Finland: Mandatory use of winter tires from 1 November to the end of March.
These rules not only provide greater road safety, but also ensure that motorists take road conditions seriously and adapt to the challenges of winter.
Why is Denmark different?
An often cited reason why we do not have a requirement for winter tires is our mild winters. It is not unusual for the temperature to fluctuate between plus and minus degrees, which can make the choice between summer and winter tires less obvious. At the same time, many want to retain the flexibility to assess the need themselves.
But the consequences of not having winter tires are clear. When the snow falls, the risk of accidents increases significantly – often with serious financial and human costs. With modern all-season tires that work in both mild and cold weather, a mandatory solution may even be less invasive than you think.
If Denmark wants to reduce the number of accidents and create greater safety on winter roads, we should at least discuss the following:
Legal requirement for winter tires in wintry conditions, as in Germany. This could be done flexibly so it depends on the weather.
Campaigns on tire choice and safety that inform about why it is important to have the right grip.
Better incentives such as lower insurance premiums for drivers who switch to winter tyres.
The recent nights of snow and accidents show that we are not sufficiently prepared for the challenges of winter.
Perhaps it is time to learn from our neighboring countries and adopt a more responsible approach to winter driving – for safety’s sake.
2024-11-24 13:21:00
#reconsider #requirements #winter #tires
**How can drivers prepare for winter driving conditions even without legislative requirements for winter tires?**
**Interview with Dr. Lars Nielsen, Traffic Safety Expert**
**Host**: Welcome to today’s segment on winter driving safety. We’re joined by Dr. Lars Nielsen, a traffic safety expert who specializes in winter road conditions. Thank you for being here, Lars.
**Dr. Nielsen**: Thank you for having me!
**Host**: We’ve just witnessed the first snowfall of the season in Northern Jutland, which unfortunately resulted in multiple traffic incidents, including closed motorways and several accidents. With this in mind, how significant is the role of winter tires in preventing such accidents?
**Dr. Nielsen**: It’s crucial. Winter tires are specifically designed to perform better in cold weather, snow, and ice. They provide better traction and shorter stopping distances than summer tires. In regions like Denmark, where there’s currently no legislative requirement to switch to winter tires, we’re seeing an increase in winter-related accidents as conditions worsen.
**Host**: It’s interesting that many neighboring countries have strict regulations regarding winter tires. Can you briefly outline how these regulations work?
**Dr. Nielsen**: Certainly! For example, in Finland, it’s mandatory to use winter tires from November 1st to the end of March. Sweden and Germany also have regulations that require winter tires during wintry conditions. These laws not only enhance individual driver safety but contribute to overall road safety, significantly reducing the number of accidents during the winter months [[1](https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-driving/why-you-should-be-driving-on-winter-snow-tires/)].
**Host**: Given the absence of such laws in Denmark, do you think we should reconsider our approach to winter tire legislation?
**Dr. Nielsen**: Absolutely. I believe that a legal requirement for winter tires, similar to our neighbors, could help reduce accidents and improve road safety. With so many accidents occurring during the first snowfalls, it’s a hint that our current regulations may not be sufficient [[1](https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-driving/why-you-should-be-driving-on-winter-snow-tires/)].
**Host**: What do you think are the biggest challenges in implementing similar regulations in Denmark?
**Dr. Nielsen**: The biggest challenges would likely be public awareness and acceptance. Many drivers are used to the idea that summer tires are sufficient year-round. We need to educate the public on the benefits of winter tires—evidence shows that cars equipped with them have fewer accidents and injuries during winter months [[1](https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-driving/why-you-should-be-driving-on-winter-snow-tires/)].
**Host**: That makes a lot of sense. Is there anything that drivers can do now, before any legal changes occur, to improve their safety?
**Dr. Nielsen**: Yes! Drivers should consider purchasing winter tires if they haven’t already. Checking tire tread depth and ensuring that tires are properly inflated can also significantly improve safety. Being proactive can make a big difference while we advocate for legislative changes [[1](https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-driving/why-you-should-be-driving-on-winter-snow-tires/)].
**Host**: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Nielsen. It’s clear that adapting our driving habits and potentially our laws could greatly enhance safety during the winter months.
**Dr. Nielsen**: Thank you for having me! Drive safely out there.
**Host**: Stay tuned for more updates on traffic safety and winter driving tips.
