Weather conditions on the motorway

Slippery roads: where does it get slippery first?

On bridges and flyovers. They cool down faster, because cold air also flows underneath them. So the road there can be slippery while it is still just above zero.

Also watch out in these places:

• shady spots, where the sun does not warm the road;
• wet leaves, mud and new asphalt;
• the first rain after a dry period: dirt and oil make the road slippery.

Sign J20 warns of a slippery road. Without a sub-sign it is not only a warning for wet weather. Sign J36 warns of black ice or snow.

Rain and aquaplaning

Rain also makes the road slippery and reduces your view. Your braking distance gets longer. Slow down in good time and keep more distance. Is there water on the road? Then you can start to slide. Read what to do on aquaplaning.

A speed sign with bij nat wegdek (when wet)

A speed sign with bij nat wegdek only applies when the road is wet. When it is dry, that limit does not apply. Other limits still do. A sub-sign 6–19h means the sign only applies between those hours. If matrix and fixed signs apply together, the lower applicable limit governs. See matrix signs.

Driving in snow: tips to avoid skidding

Drive calmly and leave plenty of room. These tips help:

• Slow down before the bend, not in it.
• Accelerate gently, steer smoothly and brake in good time.
• Keep much more distance than normal. Also with winter tyres.
• Choose a lane that is easy to drive on and do not change lanes without need.

Is the car starting to slide? Ease off the accelerator, look where you want to go and avoid sudden steering or braking. Do you still need an emergency stop with ABS? Then brake hard and keep pressing. ABS does not give extra grip.

Driving in snow with summer tyres: is it allowed?

Yes, in the Netherlands it is. Winter tyres are not required here. But summer tyres have much less grip on snow and ice. Drive extra carefully, or leave the car at home. Some other countries do have rules for winter tyres. See summer or winter tyres.

Driving in snow with an automatic car

With an automatic the same tips apply: accelerate gently, brake early and keep plenty of distance. Pull away gently so the wheels do not spin. Does your car have a winter or snow mode? The owner’s manual explains what it does and when to use it.

Driving in fog

Drive at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see. Do not just follow the rear lights of the car in front. Use the right lights. When to use fog lights is explained on fog lights.

Low sun

A low sun can hide oncoming traffic and traffic lights. Keep your windscreen clean and use your sun visor. Adjust your speed. Remember that other drivers may be dazzled too.

Strong wind: how strong is wind force 7?

Wind force 7 means wind of about 50 to 61 km/h. That is a strong wind. You mainly notice it as a crosswind. High vehicles, vans and cars with a trailer or caravan are affected most.

Drive slower, hold the steering wheel with both hands and leave extra room to the side of lorries. Coming out of the shelter of a lorry or a flyover? A gust can suddenly push you sideways. Sign J31 warns of crosswinds.

Off course: two wheels on the verge or a blowout

Do two wheels hit the verge? Do not pull the car back onto the asphalt suddenly. Ease off the accelerator, keep the car straight and lose speed. Only steer back when it is safe. With a blowout, hold the steering wheel firmly. Slow down gently and find a safe place to stop. Do not jerk the wheel or pull the handbrake.