If you come across ice or compacted snow on the road surface, slow down gradually, without braking hard.
If you are unable to continue with your journey, never abandon your vehicle on the road. Find a suitable place to stop for a while, or preferably a service area, and notify the operations centre from an emergency (SOS) telephone point or by calling the Telèfon Blau [“Blue Line”]. If there are company road maintenance teams working it is advisable to reduce your speed.
If you meet rain, snow or ice, drive smoothly, avoiding sharp movements on the road surface.
Increase the safe distance to make sure you can brake in time if necessary. Remember that rain, snow and fog reduce visibility and reaction time.
If there is heavy rain check the condition and pressure of your tyres before every journey to make sure they grip the road surface properly.
If the fog or rain are particularly severe or it is snowing, dip your headlights. Full beams could dazzle you.
When driving on ice, use the brakes with care and stay in low gears to avoid skidding.
Calculate the effects of low temperatures on your vehicle's components. Check the battery is working properly before setting out on your journey; in winter, check the features you do not generally use during the rest of the year, such as the heating or the heated rear window. Put antifreeze in the radiator and the windscreen wash tank.
Before starting your journey find out about the traffic situation and the weather forecast. Avoid travelling at peak times or on peak days.
For your own safety, stay within the legal speed limit (120 km/h) on the motorway and obey any specific lower limits which may be shown.
Keep a safe distance between vehicles which is suitable for the speed at which you are driving on the motorway. Remember that your reaction time increases the higher your speed.
Always drive in the right-hand lane. Change lane only when it is necessary to overtake another vehicle which is driving more slowly. After overtaking move back gradually into the right-hand lane.
In the event of a breakdown or accident, move your vehicle to the hard shoulder quickly. If you leave the vehicle, do so without stepping onto the road and inform your passengers of your intentions.
If you use an SOS point to ask for assistance, make sure the tow truck which comes to help you carries the acesasymbol or is in fact the one you asked for.
