A4 KATOWICE-KRAKOW TELLS DRIVERS HOW TO DRIVE SAFELY IN WINTER

Astronomical winter is approaching. Although winter has not been too severe for a few years, temperatures around zero degrees Celsius require proper actions ensuring safe travelling, both from road operators and drivers. The concessionaire of the A4 Katowice-Krakow tells drivers how to travel safely in winter.

Temperatures around 0 degrees Celsius obligate drivers to properly prepare their vehicles and to adjust their driving style to current and often changing atmospheric conditions. Drawing attention to these issues will not only increase safety and comfort of travelling but it will also protect drivers from breaking the law, often unwittingly.

Before first frost winter tyres should be fitted. Although in Poland there is no obligation of using such tyres, it is recommended, because winter tyres provide better traction and shorter breaking distance on a slippery road surface than performance tyres. Elements of equipment that should be checked before the winter season also include the battery, the alternator as well as glow plugs and spark plugs. It is best to check them in a garage to be sure that they do not let us down during sub-zero temperatures.

Snow should be completely removed from the whole car before each trip. Not clearing the snow cover from the car may be dangerous on the road, both for the driver and for other road users. Moreover, you can be fined up to PLN 500 for not removing snow from e.g. the roof of the car. It is worth to remember that when you are removing snow and ice from your car, the engine must be turned off. Otherwise, you can get a fine of up to PLN 300. Even if there is no snow, you should be prepared for possible changes of weather during the winter season and take accessories that will help you remove snow from your car, like e.g. a snow scraper, a de-icer or a snow-brush.

Driving in winter is more demanding for the driver. Freezing rain, sleet and snow make the breaking distance longer, so drivers should increase their distance from the car in front of them. Drivers should also avoid quick movements of the steering wheel and nervous accelerating because in winter this can cause uncontrolled slipping and sliding. In this period it is recommended to drive slowly and gently. And when the wheels are spinning, it is recommended to set off in a higher gear.

Another factor influencing safety of travelling is the condition of road surface, what is the responsibility of the road operator. On the A4 Katowice-Krakow the start and finish of winter maintenance period of this section is not determined by the calendar but by the atmospheric conditions. Thanks to the road weather stations installed next to the motorway, which provide the operator with detailed information about e.g. weather conditions on the road surface (temperature, water cover thickness), temperature and relative air humidity, wind speed and direction and intensity of precipitation, actions aimed at ensuring safe driving conditions and traffic management are taken.

- The A4 Katowice-Krakow has a very high standard of winter maintenance. That is why on the motorway snow is removed within two hours and slush within four hours. This standard ensures safe travelling on the motorway even during heavy snowfall – says Rafał Czechowski, the spokesperson for Stalexport Autostrada Małopolska S.A.

With the safety of drivers in mind the profile of the A4 Katowice-Krakow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/A4KatowiceKrakow contains tips and trivia connected with the preparation of the car for winter driving. Moreover, on 19 and 20 December in the morning and in the afternoon, drivers travelling through toll gates in Myslowice and Balice on the concession stretch of the A4 will receive a practical gift - a snow scraper.

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About Stalexport Autostrada Małopolska S.A. (SAM S.A.)

Stalexport Autostrada Małopolska S.A. manages the 60-kilometre long stretch of the A4 motorway between Katowice and Krakow. It is the first fully functional road of this kind in Poland, built within the framework of public-private partnership as a brownfield investment – modernisation of the road built in the 1970s and 1980s. Stalexport Autostrada Małopolska S.A. has held the concession for its adaptation to the requirements of a toll motorway and operation since 1997. Meeting the concession obligations has required numerous investments. All investment projects, including current maintenance of the road, are financed from tolls for using the concession stretch and from loans obtained from an international bank consortium. Unlike other concessions for managing toll motorways, the project run by Stalexport Autostrada Małopolska S.A. does not burden the state budget in any way. The company does not receive the so-called availability payments from the State. The company does not benefit from any State Treasury subsidies or guarantees.

For further information please contact:
Rafał Czechowski
Spokesperson for SAM S.A.
e-mail: [email protected]
tel. 601063200