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Winter weather can be tiring!
As the seasons change and fall begins, our days become shorter and most of us will be traveling to and from work during hours of darkness. Reduced visibility and slippery roads caused by rain or fog will soon become normal day-to-day traffic hazards to be mindful of. As a vehicle operator, you have a responsibility to identify and avoid hazardous situations, many of which can be avoided by taking simple precautions.
Preparing your vehicle for the upcoming inclement weather in Germany is essential, especially when temperatures are near freezing. Having proper winter or all-weather tires, serviceable wiper blades, and ice scrapers can alleviate an unfortunate situation.
In November 2010, Germany tightened the law on winter tires. Specifically, M+S-Reifen, mud-and-snow tires that have an official M+S (Matsch und Schnee) marking on them, are required from October through Easter. All-year or all-weather M+S tires are also acceptable. Additionally, U.S. Army Europe Office of the Provost Marshal officials now state that motor vehicles, including motorcycles and four-wheel-drive vehicles, must have clearly marked winter or all-season tires when there is black ice, snow, slush, ice or frost on German roads.
The German automobile club, ADAC, recommends going a step further and getting tires with the “three-peak-mountain” seal, which is an indication of snow tires that meet the highest standards. Also, though German traffic regulations require a minimum snow tire tread depth of 1.6 mm, ADAC recommends 4.0 mm.
The bottom line is that, if the police catch you driving in winter conditions without M+S tires, you’ll have to pay a €40 fine plus a point against you in the central register of all traffic violations in Germany. If you are involved in an accident or you block traffic in icy conditions without M+S tires, the fine increases to €80 and a point against you in the Flensburg central traffic offense register.
It’s better to be seen than hurt
Pedestrians also have traffic safety responsibilities. Many units conduct scheduled PT immediately prior to and following normal duty hours. These activities may include jogging or walking along roadways and intersections.
According to the traffic safety instruction, while jogging or running on roadways at night or in inclement weather (e.g., fog, rain, sleet, snow), personnel will wear clothing containing retro-reflective properties or retro-reflective accessories visible from the front and back. This means that, if you are wearing personal fitness gear, you should be wearing a reflective belt or vest. Air Force PT gear qualifies, but be aware that if you are wearing PT gear that’s years old, the reflective properties have likely diminished and they should be replaced.
Finally, headphone use on all roadways and sidewalks on base is prohibited. It is permitted in designated areas that include the northwest portion of the Hercules Trail, the Rails to Trails track east of Lawn Avenue, and the fitness area adjacent to the South Side Fitness Center. Also, headphone use off-base is prohibited when running,
jogging, walking, skating or bicycling on roadways or trails that are subject to any type of vehicle traffic. Wearing reflective clothing and restricting your headphone use when exposed to traffic environments in the streets or parking lots, and especially during hours of darkness and reduced visibility, will ensure you are practicing sound safety principles.
(Courtesy of the 86th Airlift Wing Safety Office)
