Challenging driving conditions hit Finland every winter, when snow and ice make road surfaces more dangerous.
On Wednesday and Thursday, driving conditions are very poor in southern and central Finland, with rain, sleet and snow arriving on Wednesday morning in the south and then spreading northwards.
Some 5-15 centimetres of snow are expected on Wednesday in the south and centre of the country, with up to 20 centimetres accumulating in parts of the south.
Wind speeds could gust up to 21 metres per second. In these conditions, Teppo Vesalainen of the Automobile and Touring Club of Finland says that it is important to be cautious.
Winter tyres and a shovel
Before setting out, it is important to check your vehicle. In addition to winter tyres, Vesalainen says that it's important to have a brush and scraper to remove ice and snow, as well as a snow shovel.
"Snow shovels can be useful not just on small country lanes, but also in the city when you need to clear the way to leave a parking space," said Vesalainen.
Darkness is a big factor in Finnish winter driving. Vesalainen says he would also pack a flashlight and high visibility vests.
"If you're forced to stop at an accident and get out of the car, the high-visibility vests are really good to have," said Vesalainen.
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Safe stopping distances
Motorists should allow enough time for their journeys, too. Just clearing snow from the car can take a while.
In a snowstorm average speeds are lower than normal, and there can be congestion on the roads. When you arrive, you might have to clear snow from a parking space.
"These must be prepared for, so you are not forced to fight against the clock in challenging conditions," said Vesalainen.
If the snow is not cleared promptly from road surfaces, tracks in the snow can form easily.
On most roads Vesalainen recommends following in the tracks of other vehicles, because soft snow next to the tracks can easily make a car spin out of control.
He also says that the outside lane is often much snowier than the other lanes on snowy days, and when cars use it to overtake they can force snow into the air and worsen visibility for other road users.
Lights in order
Cars should also have properly working headlamps and rear lights — hazard lights are not enough.
The automatic light systems might not work correctly in a snowstorm, so drivers should be able to turn on the front and rear lamps themselves.
"In addition it is important to know how to turn on the rear fog lights," said Vesalainen. "Rear fog lights make it easier to see cars on a snowy road."
The most important things in winter driving are appropriate speeds and safe stopping distances, according to Vesalainen.
"Generally motorists should turn on their mental "winter driving mode" and remember to stay calm in traffic," said Vesalainen.
Vesalainen adds that stormy conditions are also good days to work from home, if possible.
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