Cold weather brings a wave of accidents every year. Last year, the number of insurance cases requiring ERGO car assistance increased by 46% in November and December. Since the weather forecast promises minus degrees and sleet for the weekend, it is worth putting on winter tires.
The statistics of OÜ Roheline Laine, which offers a round-the-clock car assistance service, show that the first frosts always bring chaos in traffic. “As soon as the weather gets cold, the work volume of car assistance immediately increases by leaps and bounds. In order to reach everyone in need, we increase the team when the cold weather comes. And the same thing happens every year: they slide against other vehicles, poles or are knocked off the road, car batteries and door locks also fail,” said Toomas Salumaa, head of car assistance operations.
Raido Orulaid, head of ERGO’s transport damage department, added that summer tires basically have no grip on slippery and slushy roads, and driving them can end in an accident. “Although changing tires becomes mandatory from December 1, it is not worth waiting until the last minute and thinking about changing winter tires much earlier than the law requires. This helps to prevent so many accidents,” Orulaid said.
Driving with studded tires has been allowed in Estonia since October 15. The last time to start using winter tires is when the temperature drops below seven degrees. “It is at this temperature that summer tires usually lose their effectiveness – the rubber compound that has hardened with cold temperatures no longer grips the road surface as well. Grip on the road surface is non-existent on a cold day, and any small amount of precipitation makes the journey risky. Changing tires should not be treated as a formality – the right tires suitable for weather conditions are one of the most important tools for ensuring safety on the road,” said Orulaid.
In the case of comprehensive insurance, the use of unsuitable tires can also be considered as an increase in the insurance risk. “If it is determined that the cause of the accident is precisely the use of the wrong tires, it may affect the amount of insurance compensation or the receipt of it, because each of us must be able to assess the risks in order to exclude the occurrence of damage,” explained Orulaid.
Drivers should know that the tread depth of winter tires must be at least 3 mm, but the recommendation is that such tires could already be replaced with new ones. Tires on the same car axle must be of the same type and, importantly, with the correct marking. In Estonia, it is allowed to use only such winter tires that have the symbol of three mountain peaks and a snowflake. You should also remember to check the tire wear.
In addition, the tires must be installed correctly: they should not come into contact with the vehicle’s body or suspension parts, and the tires should not extend beyond the dimensions of the car. Proper storage and maintenance of removed summer tires should also be ensured. “Summer tires should be stored until next spring so that they are not affected by temperature differences or humidity. Otherwise, they may not be suitable for the next season,” said the representative of the insurance company.
Being late with a tire change can lead to a major accident and, in addition, a fine and the obligation to undergo an emergency technical inspection.
2024-11-20 09:29:00
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**Interview with Raido Orulaid, Head of ERGO’s Transport Damage Department**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Raido. As winter approaches, we often hear warnings about the dangers of driving in icy conditions. Can you explain why the number of accidents tends to spike during this time?
**Raido Orulaid:** Thank you for having me. Yes, every year as temperatures drop and road conditions worsen, we see a significant increase in accidents. Just last year, insurance cases requiring assistance surged by 46% in November and December. This is primarily due to drivers not switching to winter tires in time or continuing to use summer tires, which provide poor grip on slippery and slushy roads.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the effectiveness of summer tires decreases when temperatures drop. At what point should drivers begin worrying about their tires?
**Raido Orulaid:** Ideally, drivers should switch to winter tires before temperatures consistently fall below seven degrees Celsius. Summer tires lose their grip at this temperature because the rubber hardens, making it difficult to gain traction. If there’s any precipitation, whether it’s rain or snow, those roads can quickly become very dangerous.
**Interviewer:** What is your advice for drivers as the winter season sets in?
**Raido Orulaid:** It’s crucial not to wait until the last minute. Although the law requires winter tires starting December 1, I recommend changing them well before that date to avoid being caught in a sticky situation. The earlier you make the switch, the better prepared you’ll be, reducing the risk of accidents significantly.
**Interviewer:** We’ve heard about increased traffic incidents around this time. Can you elaborate on the common issues faced by drivers during the frosty months?
**Raido Orulaid:** Certainly. Common problems include sliding into other vehicles or obstacles, getting stuck in snow, and mechanical failures related to cold weather, like battery issues or frozen door locks. The first frosts can indeed create chaos on the roads, which is why we see a rise in calls for assistance.
**Interviewer:** With the traffic challenges in mind, is there anything else drivers should keep in mind?
**Raido Orulaid:** Yes, aside from changing to winter tires, drivers should also ensure their vehicle is winterized. This includes checking the battery, ensuring antifreeze levels are adequate, and keeping an emergency kit in the car. Being prepared helps everyone stay safer on the roads during these challenging months.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Raido. We hope our audience takes your advice seriously as they prepare for winter driving.
**Raido Orulaid:** Thank you. Safe travels to everyone out there!
