Snow codes and information on variable message signs
Snow codes (white to black) indicate the stages of evolution of the snow event associated with both the intensity of snowfall and the state of the road to activate the planned prevention and management activities.
Traffic regulation measures during snowfall
In order to enable the operating vehicles to work effectively, specific measures are taken, in cooperation with the traffic police, to prevent possible traffic congestion. These measures, which make it possible to optimise traffic intensity, are:
- CARRIAGEWAY REDUCTIONS referred to as filters
- THE TEMPORARY BAN on heavy goods vehicles
- THE DYNAMIC HGV BLOCK
TEMPORARY BAN AND DYNAMIC BLOCKING OF HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES
The purpose of dynamic filtering is to prevent operating vehicles from being obstructed or slowed down by the presence of heavy vehicles, especially if they are not adequately equipped for adverse weather conditions.
The dynamic filtering protocol for HGVs over 7.5t can be ordered and immediately enforced by the licensing bodies, in agreement with the Traffic Police, in the event of a 'red' or 'yellow' code, with a tendency to intensify.
Generally, dynamic filtering is implemented using the appropriately identified lanes upstream and in the section affected by snowfall.
Practical driving tips in snowy conditions
- Adapt your driving style to the environmental conditions.
- In the event of delays: keep to the right and give way to snow-clearing vehicles. Travel in a queue at low speed.
- In a bad weather forecast, always leave with a full tank of fuel and relief supplies.
- Avoid sudden movements, hard acceleration, hard braking and excessive speed.
- Increase the distance between your car and the car in front of you.
- It is essential to anticipate braking in order to have the necessary space to stop. Use the engine brake and the brake pedal alternately to avoid skidding and losing control of the vehicle.
- When going uphill use a higher gear than you would normally use in the dry and when going downhill use a lower gear.
- In the event of locking and skidding, release the brake pedal to regain grip, then brake again, progressively. When starting the vehicle on snow, accelerate gradually.
- Before curves, reduce speed, making sure to slow down in a straight line. To handle the curve safely, the action on the steering wheel must be smooth and steady.
- In curves, maintain a low and regular speed. If the front end no longer has directional stability, you must regain grip by reducing speed, thus taking your foot off the accelerator.
Information channels during the journey
Variable message panels
Muovy ASPI
the official X channel of Autostrade per l'ItaliaRadio channels
RTL 102.5
Isoradio 103.3
CCISS viaggiare informati (Rai channels)Call Center
Motorway Call Centre 803.111
10 tips in case of snow
- Keeping cars and vehicles in good working order
- Equipping vehicles with winter tyres or snow chains
- Driving carefully while maintaining a constant, moderate speed
- Stopping in spaces sheltered from the flow of vehicles only
- Keeping safe distances and slow down with engine braking
- Keeping informed of weather and traffic conditions
- Following the directions of the variable message signs
- Following the instructions of ASPI operational staff and the Traffic Police
- Facilitating the work of operating vehicles
- Following traffic regulation signs
