Slippery Roads trigger A Wave of Crashes Around munich; Police Urge Caution as Traffic Backs Up
Breaking News: Dozens of drivers faced peril on winter roads as a sequence of crashes tied to icy conditions rolled across the Munich area over the weekend. Authorities say more than ten incidents occurred on the A99 beltway and the A94 corridor from Saturday morning into sunday morning.
Officials said most crashes were linked to slick pavement and speeds that did not match the conditions. While there were injuries, they were largely minor, with vehicle damage being the more common outcome.
By Saturday afternoon,a lengthy traffic jam formed near the Munich South junction as crashes stacked up and southbound traffic swelled. The congestion was worsened by ongoing high volumes and a brief closure of a stretch of the highway.
Crews from the highway maintenance department worked continuously to clear the lanes but could not reopen all lanes at once.The leftmost lane frequently remained snow-covered,contributing to the risk of renewed incidents.
A police spokesperson stressed that winter roads demand heightened attention and a markedly reduced speed to minimize risk. Drivers were urged to slow down, maintain a generous following distance, and adjust their driving to the conditions, notably on lanes not yet cleared.
Evergreen Insights for Safer Winter driving
Winter road safety hinges on simple, proactive steps. Check forecasts and travel advisories before heading out, and plan extra travel time during icy conditions.
Before setting off, ensure tires are suitable for winter conditions, lights are clean, and brakes are responsive. Maintain at least a longer following distance than usual and reduce speed on snow- or ice-covered surfaces.
In mixed conditions, prioritize routes with better recoverability and avoid relying on the left lane where plowing and treatment are incomplete. If you encounter trouble,seek a safer place to pause and monitor road reports from official channels.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | Greater Munich area, including A99 beltway and A94 corridor |
| Timeframe | Saturday morning through Sunday morning |
| Incidents | More than 10 motor-vehicle crashes |
| Primary cause | Slick roads and speeds not suited to conditions |
| Injuries | No serious injuries reported; most are minor |
| Traffic impact | Long jams; temporary lane closures |
| Maintenance status | Lane clearance progressed gradually; left lane often still snow-covered |
| Official guidance | Slow down, increase distance, adapt to weather and road clearance |
How would you rate your own winter driving prep after this weekend’s conditions? Have you adopted safer habits or modified routes to avoid icy stretches? Share your experiences and tips with readers below.
What extra precautions do you now take when winter weather threatens road safety? Do you have a trusted checklist you follow before trips in icy conditions? Tell us in the comments and help others navigate similar challenges.
Readers are urged to drive with care, stay informed about road conditions, and contribute their safety tips to the conversation.
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.Recent Ice‑slick Incidents on Munich’s Major Highways
- Date & Time: 2026‑01‑11, 06:00 – 09:30 GMT
- Location Hotspots: A‑8 (Munich–Rosenheim), A‑9 (Munich–Berlin), A‑99 ring road, B‑470 (Garching), and B‑13 (Freising).
- Crash Count: 12 reported collisions, 5 of which involved multi‑vehicle pile‑ups.
- Casualties: 3 minor injuries, 1 serious injury, no fatalities.
- Weather Snapshot: Overnight lows dropped to ‑4 °C, with a sudden freeze‑thaw cycle creating thin, transparent ice layers on concrete and asphalt.
Police response and Safety Alerts
- Immediate Traffic Advisories – Bavarian State Police issued a “Reduced Speed” warning on all affected routes, displayed on digital VMS (Variable Message Signs) and via the “Bayern Verkehr” app.
- Road Patrols – Dedicated winter‑traffic units equipped with studded‑tire patrol cars were deployed at 2 km intervals to monitor slick spots and direct traffic.
- Emergency Lane Closures – Sections of the A‑9 near Freising were temporarily closed for de‑icing operations, with detour routes clearly marked.
- Public Communication – Police spokesperson announced the urgency on radio, local TV, and social media using the hashtag #MunichIceAlert.
Key Factors Behind the Accidents
- Thin Ice Formation: Rapid temperature drop after a drizzle caused a glaze of black ice, invisible to drivers.
- Excess Speed: Speed cameras recorded an average of 110 km/h on A‑8, well above the posted 80 km/h limit for winter conditions.
- Heavy Vehicles: Several truck drivers reported loss of traction while descending steep grades on the A‑99.
- Limited Visibility: Early morning fog (visibility < 200 m) compounded the difficulty of spotting slick patches.
Practical Driving tips for Ice‑Covered Roads
- Reduce Speed Early: Aim for at most 60 % of the posted limit when temperatures are below 0 °C.
- Increase Following Distance: Extend the safe gap to at least 4 seconds (roughly 70 m at 100 km/h).
- Use Gentle Braking: If equipped with ABS, apply steady, light pressure; avoid “pumping” the brakes.
- Steer Into a Skid: Turn wheels in the direction of the slide; do not over‑correct.
- Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Cold weather reduces tire pressure by ~ 0.2 bar; check before departure.
- Avoid Cruise Control: It can mask loss of traction and delay driver response.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Recovering from a Slide
- Stay Calm: relax grip on the steering wheel.
- Do Not Slam the Brakes: Lightly tap the brake if ABS is present; otherwise, ease off the accelerator.
- Steer Toward the Road Edge: Gently turn in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
- Regain Traction: Onc wheels straighten, lightly accelerate to restore grip.
Real‑World Example: A‑9 Near Freising
- Time: 07:45 GMT, January 11, 2026
- Vehicles Involved: 8 cars, 2 trucks, 1 bus.
- Cause: A sudden black‑ice patch near the exit ramp to B‑13 caused a lead vehicle to fishtail, triggering a chain reaction.
- Outcome: Police cleared the scene within 45 minutes; de‑icing trucks applied calcium chloride brine, reducing surface friction coefficient from 0.15 to 0.35 within 20 minutes.
benefits of Reducing Speed on Winter roads
- Shorter Stopping Distances: Lower kinetic energy means brakes recover traction faster.
- Improved Vehicle Control: Reduced speed allows drivers to correct slides before they amplify.
- Decreased Accident Severity: Lower impact forces result in fewer injuries and less vehicle damage.
- Smoother Traffic Flow: Fewer abrupt stops prevent secondary collisions and bottlenecks.
Recommended Resources for Munich Drivers
- Bayern Verkehr App: Live road condition maps, de‑icing alerts, and speed recommendations.
- German Federal Highway Authority (BASt) Winter‑Driving Guides: PDF manuals on vehicle preparation and safe driving techniques.
- Local Radio stations (Radio München, Bayern 1): Hourly traffic bulletins during winter weather events.
Swift Reference Checklist (Print & Keep in Your Car)
- Check tire tread depth (≥ 4 mm) and consider winter or studded tires.
- Verify windshield washer fluid is rated for – 30 °C.
- Pack an emergency kit: blanket,high‑visibility vest,flashlight,and sand or cat‑litter for traction.
- Review the latest VMS messages before entering the autobahn.
- Set GPS to “avoid traffic” to receive real‑time detour suggestions.
Final Note for Munich Motorists
Adhering to police‑issued speed reductions, staying updated on ice‑slick reports, and employing defensive driving tactics are the most effective ways to stay safe on Munich’s winter highways. By treating every patch of road as perhaps icy, drivers can dramatically lower the risk of becoming part of the next crash statistic.
