Motorists advised to travel with vehicles equipped for winter conditions

Temperatures are expected to drop in the high mountain regions, in Northern and Western Bulgaria it is possible that the rain will turn to snow, the press office of the Road Infrastructure Agency reports on December 6. Motorists are advised to travel with vehicles equipped for winter conditions.

District road management offices are monitoring the forecasts by regions and together with road maintenance companies are taking the necessary actions. As a precaution, pavements are treated with chemicals, salt and sand to reduce the forming of ice on the roads and slippery surfaces when temperatures drop. Priority is given to motorways, the busiest routes on the first and second class road network and the passes providing links between North and South Bulgaria.

To improve traffic safety, some sections may be closed for treatment with aggregates. Where necessary due to high winds, snow drifts or low visibility, traffic may be temporarily restricted until weather conditions get better and the road is cleared. If necessary, it is also possible to temporarily restrict the traffic of heavy trucks in certain sections to allow snow ploughs to clear the route, avoid traffic jams and blocking traffic, the Road Agency said.

Motorists are urged to drive with caution and at a reasonable speed, not to take risky manoeuvres, keep the necessary distance, and not to overtake the snow-ploughing machines. The blocking of traffic by vehicles not prepared for winter conditions hampers the journey of all other drivers and the work of specialised equipment, RIA added.

The third stage of the operation "Winter”, which will check the roadworthiness of vehicles and headlights, starts from today, Ministry of Interior said earlier. It reminded motorists that vehicles should be driven with lights on during the day. They also advised to check the working condition of the braking system, check and keep the headlights, stop lamps, gauges, turn signals clean, visible, adjusted and in working order, and check the safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and reflective vest equipment.