Ice on trucks and transport vehicles can fly off the roof at higher speeds - with dangerous consequences.
In sub-zero temperatures, drivers should keep more distance from the trucks in front, especially in the morning. Frozen sheets of ice threaten to fall from their roofs overnight. Particularly heavy specimens can break through the windshield and seriously injure the occupants. Even if they do not hit the traffic behind them directly, they can create obstacles on the road or obstructions of view due to snow turbulence.
TÜV Rheinland therefore advises that you generally keep a generous safety distance from trucks. Overtaking maneuvers should be avoided entirely. If you recognize a floating sheet of ice, reduce your speed immediately and inform the truck driver by means of a light signal. If this does not react, the police should be notified.
Ice sheets form when frost and thaw alternate and the water on the roof or tarpaulin freezes overnight. If the truck driver does not remove these before the start of his tour, the wind can push them backwards and fly off the roof. At numerous motorway service stations, special scaffolding is available that truck drivers can use to reach the roof and tarpaulin of their vehicle. Alternatively, they can use a ladder.
