With the aim of improving road traffic safety and strengthening control over the maintenance of the street and road network in winter conditions in the Vitebsk region, an operational and preventive measure "Winter Road" will be conducted from February 12 to March 1.
The work of road maintenance organizations and communal services on the quality of road and street maintenance in winter conditions will be checked (availability and technical condition of machinery and equipment, their use, availability of anti-icing materials, including in safe road sections, response to road traffic accidents with unsatisfactory road conditions, etc.).
The district executive committee and the district road safety commission will be informed about the results of the inspections and identified shortcomings. Special attention will be paid to the winter maintenance of the street and road network, the condition of technical means of traffic management, and the availability of design documentation for sections of the road network of Lepel and the local road network.

There are many tips for drivers and established truths about driving vehicles in winter conditions that help to avoid trouble, and sometimes tragedies on the road.

It is very important to brake using the engine, employ intermittent and stepped braking techniques, and avoid skidding. Speed should be reduced before turns and curves to avoid braking directly on them; on slippery uphill sections, stops should be avoided; oncoming traffic should be passed with reduced speed. When overtaking a vehicle ahead, one must be particularly careful, as snow dust raised can obscure a vehicle or other traffic obstacles. When driving on a slippery road, maintain a safe speed and double the distance to the vehicle ahead; when driving on a dry road.

If road conditions deteriorate, it is necessary to refrain from using personal transport, and if necessary, use it with strict adherence to the Traffic Regulations.

It should be reminded that when moving along the edge of the roadway in the dark, pedestrians must identify themselves with retroreflective elements (flickers). It is also very important for cyclists to identify themselves by wearing vests with retroreflective elements.

Valery LESHCHENOK,
Senior State Automobile Inspector
Department of Internal Affairs of the Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs
Police Major.