Electronic safety systems are no substitute for careful driving
DEKRA’s experts recall that snow covering the cameras or sensors may impair the function of emergency braking or lane-keeping assistants. The windshield, roof, hood, license plate, and lights must also be entirely free of snow – it is not sufficient to just clear a peephole.
“On icy roads in winter, good visibility to all sides is more important than ever,” says accident expert Luis Ancona. Any snow on a vehicle may be blown onto the windshield of the following vehicle, robbing its driver of their sight. Large amounts of snow or ice sheets falling from vans, for example, may impede or damage following vehicles.
Also to be considered in winter: On slick roads, driver assistance systems such as ESP, automated emergency braking, or ABS are no substitute for driving carefully.
Even the best technology won’t stop a car from skidding if you drive into a bend too fast
says DEKRA expert Andreas Schäuble.
Although modern technology has made driving much safer, it is not a silver bullet for all situations and cannot compensate for every driving error. “It is important to adapt the way you drive to the prevailing road and weather conditions. Specifically, this means not taking risks, keeping a sufficient distance, and adapting your speed.” Moreover, the electronic systems can only work properly if the tires have sufficient road contact. That is why, in Germany, it is essential to fit winter tires with the alpine symbol as required by law.