driving conditions europe January
 

I'm planning a road trip with kids but am a little worried about driving conditions and weather on european roads during january, I will be driving from Italy to the uk over switzerland and on through france, does anyone know if this is in anyway risky, we will only drive during the day and will not be in any hurry so if we have to stop over in hotels along the way a little longer then we will.

You shouldn't have any problems as long as to stick to the main highways and don't drive during a blinding snowstorm.

It might be an idea to give a few more details as the advice I'd give for the north of Scotland is going to be totally different to staying in Brighton

Obvious risk, it snows. If you are renting the car then the rental company will need to know you are leaving the country and youwill then receive advice and tyre types. Certain countries and zones will not let you enter without the right tyres. If it is your car then I suggest you ask your automobile car advisor (RAC, AA, Green flag in UK).

Once you understand this it should be all right but you could lose a day if it really dumps.

>>does anyone know if this is in anyway risky<< :-?

Well, few things in life are risk-free, it is just a matter of HOW risky....? In a nutshell-- Yes, taking a road trip with kids in unfamiliar roads during winter conditions is kinda of risky... :-? Should you desist in doing it? Not necessarily.

I agree with the above poster; the route has mostly highways (A26, A21, and A1) so stick to those. Every country have their own winter driving safety requirements; i.e. in France is mandatory that all cars, including drivers of vehicles registered outside of France, must have one warning triangle and one reflective jacket in their vehicle. Special snow chain and winter tires are required in Switzerland mountain regions after November.

Have a Safety Kit (blankets/extra set of tires/flashlights) with you, get frequent weather and road advisories updates. These highways will be shared with big trucks, so stay out of their way as best you can. Limit the hours, which I think you already are going to.

Hope you guys have a fun, safe time.

What is your route? Many passes may be closed...

Less obvious but in fact greater risk: black ice, which can appear out of nowhere and is invisible.
Do not do this trip in a car that is equipped with summer tyres.

Highways are generally cleared quickly but the service people cannot be everywhere at once, so may be caught in the middle of fresh snow or ice even on the highway.

In Northern Italy there is another problem to worry about: dense fog, which is frequent in the Po plain.

Another big risk: those drivers around you who do not adjust their speed to wintery weather conditions.

Are you used to driving in winter weather? the road conditions can change rapidly form dry to slick with snow or sleet, bridges and elevated roadways freeze first and if the temps are low enough black ice (invisible) can be a real challenge.

If you have never driven in this type of weather (and it is a difference skill set) I would not attempt it. If you do chose to drive rent a car with 4 wheel drive - but don;t think that makes you immune - you can still skid or fishtail out of control.

I am always amazed at people who go driving along merrily at highway speed when they should be going 30 mph in 1st gear for the extra traction.

And if you don;t when to downshift for more traction, how much longer the distances should be between cars and how to use cardboard or kitty litter in case the car is stuck on ice - you definitely should not do this.

And going through the mountains do be sure you have a full emergency kit.

All good advice.

January is usually Switzerland's "cold" month and it usually snows less in January than other months. Instead, we get stretches of cold weather and quite often fog in the valleys. Fog is tricky because of visibility and black ice. Switzerland's autobahns are very well kept and salt is used generously.

Of course, all passes are closed and Friday night - Sunday night can be tricky at the Gotthard tunnel due to traffic.

Good luck and use your common sense. Make sure you have winter tires (mandatory) and valid autobahn stickers.

"and if the temps are low enough black ice (invisible) can be a real challenge."

Black ice normally occurs when the air temperature is around 0C (32F) when the ground is cold but the air is slightly warmer which causes moisture in the air to freeze.

You can get it at lower temperatures but then the cause is moisture from car exhausts freezing on the road