Meteorologist Fanny Saarela notes that when minus temperatures combine with light fog, the risk of slippery road conditions grows significantly, affecting the northern half of the country most widely while also reaching southern regions.
Risk of Sudden Black Ice on Roads
The treacherous road conditions caused by freezing temperatures are commonly known as black ice or flash ice, which the Swedish Transport Administration describes as highly deceptive. Because the ice often remains invisible, it turns roads extremely slippery during early mornings and late evenings. Jonas Nilsson, head of road maintenance for the Swedish Transport Administration’s Western Region, urges all drivers in a press release to lower their speeds, maintain longer distances to vehicles ahead, and avoid abrupt maneuvers.
Did You Know? The Swedish Transport Administration activates its special winter preparedness organization on a round-the-clock basis between October and April, deploying salt and snowplow trucks as needed.
Authorities deploy winter maintenance crews and vehicle data
To tackle the cold season, the Swedish Transport Administration has deployed its 24-hour winter readiness organization, keeping salt and plow trucks on standby from October through April. Roberto Maiorana, Director General of the Swedish Transport Administration, emphasizes in a press release that winter maintenance is a collaborative effort involving authorities, contractors, and transport operators. New for this season, the agency uses data collected directly from cars driving in traffic to pinpoint where slippery conditions have formed, allowing for more proactive and precise road maintenance.
Causes of black ice and tracking methods
What causes sudden black ice on Swedish roads?
Black ice forms when morning or evening temperatures drop to around zero degrees Celsius or lower, especially when accompanied by light fog or extra-humid air near waterways, as noted by SMHI and the Swedish Transport Administration.
How are road authorities tracking slippery conditions this year?
The Swedish Transport Administration is utilizing a new method to measure where ice has formed by gathering data from cars currently driving in traffic.
What actions does the Swedish Transport Administration recommend for drivers?
Jonas Nilsson advises motorists to reduce speed, keep a wider distance from the vehicle in front, and refrain from sudden steering or braking maneuvers.
How do you usually prepare your vehicle for the sudden shift to freezing morning commutes?
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