With thearrival of winterthe roads of the Moselle can quickly become dangerous and it is necessary toadopt good reflexes to drive safely. Here is 10 tips to follow and things to know to drive peacefully in the department throughout the winter period.
Regulations to respect
From November 1 to March 31, winter equipment is mandatory in areas of mountain ranges covered by traffic signs. Here is the mandatory equipment depending on the type of vehicle:
- light vehicles, utility vehicles, motorhomes, heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches without a trailer or semi-trailer must either have removable anti-slip devices (chains or socks) allowing at least two drive wheels to be fitted, or be fitted with four tires winter
- heavy goods vehicles with a trailer or semi-trailer must have snow chains allowing at least two drive wheels to be fitted, even if they are equipped with winter tires
Winter equipment needed in 65 municipalities
65 municipalities are concerned by this obligation in the Moselle department: Abreschviller, Arzviller, Baerenthal, Bitche, Bousseviller, Breidenbach, Dabo, Danne-et-Quatre-Vents, Dannelbourg, Eguelshardt, Enchenberg, Epping, Erching, Garrebourg, Goetzenbruck, Guntzviller, Hanviller, Harreberg, Hartzviller, Haselbourg, Haspelschiedt, Henridorff, Hommert, Hottviller, Hultehouse, Lafrimbolle, Lambach, Lemberg, Lengelsheim, Liederschiedt, Loutzviller, Lutzelbourg, Meisenthal, Métairies-Saint-Quirin, Montbronn, Mouterhouse, Niderhoff, Nousseviller-lès-Bitche, Obergailbach, Ormersviller, Phalsbourg, Philippsbourg, Plaine-de-Walsch, Rahling, Reyersviller, Rimling, Rolbing, Roppeviller, Saint-Louis, Saint-Louis-lès-Bitche, Saint-Quirin, Schorbach, Schweyen, Siersthal, Soucht, Sturzelbronn, Troisfontaines, Turquestein-Blancrupt, Vasperviller, Vilsberg, Volmunster, Voyer, Waldhouse, Walschbronn, Walscheid.
The portion of the A4 motorway located in Moselle is excluded from the scope of obligation. A carte interactive of French territory is available by clicking here.
Which tires to use?
THE winter tires must have 2 markings : the Alpine symbol completed by the letters “M+S”, “MS” or “M&S”. Tires without the Alpine symbol are tolerated until November 1, 2024, but must then be replaced by compliant tires.
Prepare your vehicle before winter
Before the arrival of winter, the Moselle prefecture advises road users to take stock of the condition of their vehicle. Battery, ignition, alternator, starter, tire pressure, different levels (oil, coolant and brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), lighting, heating, ventilation: carrying out a check before periods of snow and ice is strongly recommended. For cyclists, checking the equipment is also essential, particularly the brakes and lighting.
Take the time change into account
Every year, the days following the change to winter time cause a 40% increase in accidents involving pedestrians at the end of the day. Nightfall an hour earlier leads to a drop in light between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., a period of heavy traffic. In this context, pedestrians and cyclists become less visible, particularly when leaving schools and offices. As the time change took place during the night of Saturday October 26 to Sunday October 27, be particularly vigilant.
Prepare for all eventualities
In Moselle, weather conditions can quickly deteriorate in winter. The prefecture therefore advises prepare a first aid kit with flashlight, survival blanket, care kit, water and food to prepare for any eventuality. A road map, snow chains and jumper cables might also come in handy.
Stay informed at all times
Before leaving, particularly for a long journey, it is advisable to check the weather forecast on the Météo France website and road conditions via Bison Futé or www.autoroutes.fr. To stay informed live of developments in the situation and potential accidents, radio 107.7 FM is available.
To be visible is to be protected
Pedestrians and cyclists, it is recommended to wear light-colored clothing and retro-reflective accessories to be spotted more easily by motorists in low light. “Outside urban areas, wearing a retro-reflective vest is obligatory at night or in cases of low visibility,” recalls the Moselle prefecture.
Good lights, good speed, good behavior
Simple but essential reminder: each road user is required to respect the regulations in force in all weathers. Before leaving, make sure that the windshield, windows and mirrors are completely defrosted. Adapt your speed, avoid sudden acceleration, increase your safety distances and use the appropriate lights depending on the situation. Vigilance and respect for everyone are essential to travel safely on the department's roads.
