Making it through winter safe and sound
As the cold season begins, we see numerous accidents on the roads as a result of darkness and poor visibility. When snow and ice come into the mix, the transportation of dangerous goods may have to be put on hold. Driving bans may then result in delivery cancellations and delays. But if everyone involved complies with the regulations and adapts the way they drive to the weather conditions, vehicles will arrive at their destinations safely - even in winter.
As a rule, the following applies in Germany and many other European countries: according to Section 3 Para. 1 of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO), the person operating the vehicle may only travel at a speed that allows them to be in constant control of their vehicle. In particular, they must adjust their speed to road, traffic, visibility, and weather conditions. When it comes to the transportation of dangerous goods, stricter rules apply, either through applicable regulations or internal specifications. The German Road Traffic Regulations also specifically address the transportation of dangerous goods: Section 2 Para. 3a Sentence 5 must be observed. This states: “if visibility is less than 50 meters or if the roads are slippery due to packed snow or black ice, persons operating vehicles carrying dangerous goods subject to marking requirements must not endanger any other person; if necessary, they must pull into the next suitable place for parking.” Only when the weather has improved can the journey continue. Other European countries have similar regulations. If the individuals in charge, possibly in conjunction with advice from the branch’s dangerous goods safety advisor, consider the weather conditions to be particularly bad, they call for a temporary loading suspension and inform all affected branches. In such cases, the dangerous goods shipments are not even loaded onto the transport vehicles. If necessary, the goods remain with the sender or at the branch.
Did you know? DACHSER provides training on the Dangerous Goods Act and related regulations
DACHSER offers its drivers and dangerous goods safety advisors training at its branches specifically for cases like these and others to ensure the safety of people, animals, the environment, and the integrity of other people’s property. Drivers responsible for transporting dangerous goods must take it upon themselves to assess the situation on the roads in winter and in the event of poor conditions, find a suitable parking space to park up their truck. Bring on winter!