The State Automobile Inspectorate of Belarus will hold a Unified Road Safety Day on November 27 under the slogan "Life is More Valuable Than Tyres!", aimed at preventing road traffic accidents in winter conditions. This was reported to BELTA by Victoria Tsaruk, Senior Inspector for Agitation and Propaganda of the State Automobile Inspectorate of the Oktyabrsky District Department of Internal Affairs of the capital.
The State Automobile Inspectorate of Belarus will hold a Unified Road Safety Day on November 27 under the slogan "Life is More Valuable Than Tyres!", aimed at preventing road traffic accidents in winter conditions. This was reported to BELTA by Victoria Tsaruk, Senior Inspector for Agitation and Propaganda of the State Automobile Inspectorate of the Oktyabrsky District Department of Internal Affairs of the capital.
On this day, large-scale preventive campaigns and raids will be conducted, during which inspectors will check how drivers have prepared their vehicles for winter operation. Employees will also speak at work collectives and educational institutions.
"Winter tyres help reduce braking distance and significantly improve vehicle control in icy conditions. At low temperatures, summer tyres harden and cease to perform their functions of ensuring good grip with the road surface, making the use of such tyres unsafe," said Victoria Tsaruk. According to her, it is important not only to replace summer tyres with winter ones but also to fully prepare the car for winter. It is necessary to check the overall condition of the cabin heating system, and to ensure the proper functioning and adjustment of external lighting devices. The washer fluid must be filled with a special antifreeze liquid, and it is recommended to check the battery before the onset of severe frosts.
In difficult weather conditions, the most important thing is increased attention and extreme caution on the road. Drivers should choose a safe speed regime based on the specific road situation, increase the distance and lateral interval, and avoid sudden acceleration and braking, and unnecessary manoeuvres. During the winter period, the number of road traffic accidents involving pedestrians significantly increases, which is due to difficult weather conditions and short daylight hours. "Therefore, do not forget that the most effective way for pedestrians to ensure their safety on the road in the dark is to mark themselves with retroreflective elements on all sides," said Victoria Tsaruk.
The senior inspector reminded that the current legislation provides for the mandatory use of winter tires from December 1 to March 1 on vehicles with a technically permissible total mass of up to 3.5 tons, cars and light trucks with a mass of over 3.5 tons, as well as buses with a mass of up to 5 tons. Winter tires are installed on all wheels of the vehicle. Winter tires of mechanical vehicles intended for operation on icy or snowy road surfaces must be marked with a mountain peak symbol with three peaks and a snowflake inside, or with the markings "M+S", "M& S", "M S", or "All Seasons".