Fleet ice alarm in NRW: uncertain roads are demanding numerous accidents!

Fleet ice alarm in NRW: uncertain roads are demanding numerous accidents!

On Wednesday morning of February 5, 2025, a dangerous weather conditions occurred in North Rhine-Westphalia, which was mainly caused by black ice. The regions around Cologne, the Oberbergische Kreis and the Rheinisch-Bergische district in particular were badly affected. The road conditions led to numerous accidents, some of which had serious consequences. On the A4 motorway between Overath and Engelskirchen, the route was closed in both directions for several hours due to the black ice. Drivers had to wait several hours to restore traffic safety, which was only carried out around 12:30 p.m. The weather service warned that the danger situation could continue at night and until Thursday morning. A weak deep runner that influences the weather in the region ensures cloudy air and increases the likelihood of drizzle on frozen soil.

The weather led to more than 16 accidents with 25 vehicles involved, in which ten people were injured, including a 34-year-old woman who had to be brought to a hospital with life. In addition, the police in Bielefeld reported several accidents during the morning rush hour traffic, whereby the temperatures were just over zero degrees and a drizzle made the streets mirror -smooth. Together with the incidents already mentioned, there were over 35 black ice accidents in the Paderborn district, which resulted in a further seven injuries. The city of Dorsten was also affected, where a sweeper fell into a field on a smooth road, but the driver was unharmed.

weather conditions and outlook

The German Weather Service (DWD) not only warned for North Rhine-Westphalia, but for many regions in Germany of dangerous black ice through freezing rain. In the coming nights, smoothness will be expected again, especially in higher mountain regions where snow griesel is expected. The weather situation is to be classified as extremely distinctive, with a significantly increased risk of life and life, especially for drivers and pedestrians.

drivers should be aware that there is a situational winter tire obligation when the temperatures are around the 0-degree mark and threaten snow or ice slid. The non -compliance with this regulation can be punished with fines of at least 60 euros and a point in Flensburg. In addition, according to the new regulations, winter tires with the alpine symbol are only permitted from October 1, 2024. Drivers should check their winter equipment in the vehicle and plan more time for their trips in extreme weather conditions. The ADAC recommends an adapted speed and sufficient distance to minimize the risk of accidents.

The situation will not relax on Thursday night. Up to minus three degrees are possible and the DWD warns of back ice. The weather remains very cloudy, locally further drains can fall. The night brings it to light frost in different places, which tightens the danger situation again. The weather in Germany remains tense, while the authorities continue to call for caution.