Working safely in winter weather

In the car

BE Prepared

• Make sure your windows and headlights are completely clear of snow and ice. That way you can see and be seen clearly yourself.
• Use antifreeze washer fluid to prevent freezing. Ordinary windshield washer fluid or for summer can freeze on your windows.
• Reduce your tire pressure. This ensures better grip on slippery road surfaces by increasing contact with the surface.

• Be especially careful on bridges, freeway exits and entrances, viaducts and local roads, as they freeze over more quickly. Local roads are less likely to be gritted or not gritted at all.

Adapt your driving style

• Adapt your driving and anticipate dangerous situations. Is rule one for defensive driving.
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. The braking distance is much longer with a smooth road surface, and this way you can anticipate better.
• Deactivate cruise control and drive yourself. That way, you have a better feel for the road and can therefore anticipate and intervene better.
• Always drive in 2nd gear to avoid slipping. Less clutch means less traction and therefore less chance of tire slippage on the slippery road surface.
• Avoid sudden acceleration, braking or turning the steering wheel. This is to prevent road skidding and maintain grip on the slippery road surface.
• Brake with the engine rather than the brakes, especially on slippery surfaces. This causes you to brake more gently and allows you to keep the right foot ready to intervene where necessary.
• Reduce your speed before tackling tight bends and curves. By adjusting your speed, there is less chance of skidding.

Tips, short and clear:

• Leave on time
• Make sure your windows are completely clear of snow and ice, including your lights
• Also clean the inside of your windows
• Use frost-resistant windshield washer fluid to prevent freezing
• Slightly lower your tire pressure
• Adjust your driving style and anticipate dangerous situations
• Keep a safe distance
• Turn off cruise control and drive manually
• Always start in 2nd gear to avoid slipping
• Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or steering movements
• Brake with the engine rather than the foot brake, especially on slippery roads
• Reduce speed before corners and sharp turns
• Use and check your winter tires
• Increase your following distance
• Keep some emergency supplies in the car (blanket, water, snacks, high-visibility vest, flashlight, warning triangle, first-aid kit)
• Check your wipers in time
• Also consider sunglasses for low sun

Bike

BE Prepared

• Wear warm but not too thick clothing to move around comfortably.
• Protect your hands, feet and head.
  • Although helmets are not compulsory, they are strongly recommended for your safety.

• Reduce tire pressure for better grip on the road.

• Make sure you are clearly visible to others, and that you have good visibility yourself.

• Do you have an electric bike?
  • Don't forget that your battery life will be shorter in cold weather.
    • Take your charger with you if necessary.
    • If you park your electric bike in the cold, take your battery inside.

Adapt your driving style

• Be especially careful on bridges, ramps, viaducts and narrow local roads, where the road surface can quickly become slippery.
• Too slippery to ride safely? Then get off and continue on foot.

Tips, short and clear (bike):

• Leave on time
• Slightly lower your tire pressure
• Brake gently
• Make eye contact
• Make sure you are visible (high-visibility clothing/lights)
• Leave on time; rushing is rarely good!
• Ride calmly and stay aware of what’s coming
• Avoid sudden or sharp steering movements
• If you need to brake, use both brakes—never just the front
• Choose a gear that’s not too high or too low
• Wider tires provide better grip
• Lower your center of gravity (lower the saddle)
• Avoid slippery surfaces
• Leaves and/or rain can also make the road slippery
• Be careful when getting off. Come to a complete stop before stepping off
• For e-bikes, use eco mode

Scooter/moto

BE Prepared

• Wear warm but not too thick clothing to move around comfortably.
  • Don't forget to wear your protective clothing for added safety.

• Protect your hands, feet and head.
  • Helmets are compulsory; make sure your visor is clean and offers good visibility.

• If you ride an electric scooter or motorcycle, switch off the engine and make sure the battery is fully charged.
• Reduce tire pressure for better grip on the road.
• Make sure you are clearly visible to other road users, and that you have good visibility yourself.

Adapt your driving style

• Do not over accelerate and brake gently and in a controlled manner.
• Be especially careful on bridges, ramps, viaducts and narrow local roads, where the road surface can quickly become slippery.
• Do not make sudden steering movements, but move your handlebars calmly and in a controlled manner.
• Do not make sudden steering movements, but move your handlebars calmly and in a controlled manner.
• Is the road too slippery to ride safely? Then get off and continue on foot.

Tips, short and clear (scooter):

• Leave on time
• Check your lights before every ride and turn them on, day and night
• Being seen and seeing others is essential
• Make eye contact with other road users
• A windscreen protects you from wind and cold, but keep it clean and clear
• Slightly lowering tire pressure improves grip on slippery roads
• Think ahead and look ahead to keep moving safely
• Leaves and rain can make roads slippery
• Wear warm, windproof clothing and protect your hands, feet, neck, and head—even with a helmet
• Brake with the engine
• Keep your visor clean
• Avoid sudden steering movements
• Use a dark visor or sunglasses for low winter sun

By foot

• Wear visible clothing (high-visibility vests, reflective strips)
• Use lighting (headlamp, flashlight, or LED light on your jacket or bag)
• Choose anti-slip soles or winter shoes
• Snow, ice, wet leaves, rain, and mud can be slippery
• Dress in layers
• Use a sturdy, not too large umbrella
• Watch out for uneven surfaces (potholes, gutters, branches…)
• Always look where you step
• Use safe crossings and look left, right, left, right
• Make eye contact with other road users
• Avoid using your phone or earphones while walking
• Leave on time and avoid rushing
• Adjust your steps (shorter steps, feet slightly wider)
• Choose familiar, well-lit streets—even if it’s a slightly longer route
• Think ahead for falling branches, loose tiles…
• You can report slippery or poorly maintained sidewalks to your municipality or city

Also interesting: Safe on the road with your (e-)bike or e-scooter: smart tips for every ride