Icy Roads Cause Multiple Traffic Accidents Overnight Across Germany

Overnight icy conditions led to a series of traffic accidents in several German regions, keeping emergency services busy as hazardous roadways posed significant risks for drivers. Authorities in various states responded to numerous incidents, particularly in Saxony and Hesse, where slippery surfaces resulted in vehicles losing control.

According to police reports, Saxony experienced a notable increase in traffic accidents due to icy roads. By early morning, law enforcement officials had recorded 32 accidents linked directly to the treacherous conditions. In one notable case in St. Egidien, a motorist lost control and collided with a traffic sign, resulting in substantial vehicle damage estimated at approximately EUR23,000. Fortunately, the driver was unharmed.

Hesse also reported several accidents attributed to black ice. In Schenklengsfeld, located in eastern Hesse, a 19-year-old driver lost control of his car on a slick road, causing the vehicle to overturn multiple times. Emergency responders transported both the driver and his 20-year-old passenger, who suffered severe injuries, to a local hospital for treatment.

Southern Hesse faced similar challenges. Near Neckarsteinach, an 18-year-old driver attempting to overtake another vehicle lost control on an icy patch. The car veered off the roadway, descended an embankment, and struck a tree. While the driver sustained minor injuries, her passenger was treated at the scene for less serious wounds.

The hazardous weather conditions were not limited to these regions. The previous night had already seen a spike in accidents in northern Germany, with emergency services responding to numerous incidents caused by ice-covered roads. Weather experts from the German Weather Service warned that icy patches would persist through the morning, particularly in the central part of the country, where light freezing rain was forecast.

Authorities urged motorists to exercise heightened caution, especially in areas between the Thuringian Basin and Lusatia, as ground-level freezing of drizzle posed additional risks. The German Weather Service advised drivers to remain vigilant until temperatures rose sufficiently to alleviate the icy conditions.

Early morning temperatures in Germany dipped as low as -5°C, with even colder conditions reported in southern regions. Daytime temperatures were expected to climb, ranging from 0°C to 4°C across most areas, and reaching up to 6°C along the northern coasts. As the day progressed, meteorologists predicted improving weather, with cloud cover clearing in many areas. However, southern regions were expected to remain cold, with persistent fog and overcast skies delaying the thaw.

Emergency services and weather authorities continue to monitor road conditions and advise the public to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve. Motorists are also encouraged to prepare for winter driving, including using appropriate tires and reducing speed during hazardous weather.

This recent wave of accidents underscores the persistent challenges that winter weather poses for road safety, prompting renewed calls for caution as icy conditions are likely to occur throughout the season. Authorities emphasize the importance of adhering to weather warnings and adapting driving behavior to ensure personal and public safety during adverse weather events.