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The Grand Ducal Police have emphasised good visibility and the good technical condition of vehicles as part of their overall road prevention strategy during the “Wanterzäit 2023” (winter time) campaign, which launched on Monday 16 October 2023.
In the darker season with fog, rain and cold, these two aspects “play a vital role” in all drivers’ safety, the police emphasised. Poor visibility being a significant factor in accidents, increased vigilance is therefore required on the part of drivers and other road users.
Cold, frost and reduced light can complicate traffic conditions. In light of bad weather conditions, vehicles should be in good technical condition, for example regarding their tyres and lighting.
At the operational level, the campaign will result in checks across the country from Monday 16 October until the end of December 2023, with a preventive phase regarding vehicle lighting from 16 October to 19 November 2023.
In the event of non-functioning of the vehicle's lighting, the driver will not be automatically fined for the duration of the preventive phase, but given a period of five days to bring the vehicle into compliance with the legislation. The offender must report to a police unit after remedying the defects. Otherwise, a fine or a report will be issued.
The police have advised motorists to be vigilant and ensure they can see what is happening around them, including checking that the lights are working and the vehicle's windows are cleared. As a pedestrian, runner or cyclist, it is important to be visible to other road users, even from a distance. Furthermore, vehicles should be in “perfect technical condition”, with weather-appropriate tyres and a clear field of vision. Finally, safety distance should be observed from the vehicle in front and one's driving style should be adapted to weather conditions and in compliance with speed limits.
