Overview
- Heavy snow and ice persist across large parts of Germany, making travel hazardous for motorists and cyclists.
- TÜV Süd recommends tripling following distance—about 120 meters at 80 km/h—and entering curves slowly with gentle inputs while avoiding overtakes of plows.
- ADAC advises recovering a straight-line skid by declutching, braking and carefully counter-steering, using full braking only if the vehicle no longer responds, and braking firmly but steering calmly if grip is lost in a curve.
- ABS and ESP can help stabilize a vehicle but do not shorten stopping distances on ice, and all-wheel drive provides no advantage when braking.
- ADFC urges cyclists to slow down, use both brakes, lower tire pressure or fit spike tires, and switch to the roadway if mandatory bike paths are uncleared, with officials also encouraging winter prep and nonessential travel cuts.