Two cold-weather incidents in Sverdlovsk region highlight road safety concerns
Over the past week, two separate events on icy roads in the Sverdlovsk region drew attention to how quickly winter conditions can catch drivers and passengers off guard. On a stretch of the Yekaterinburg to Nizhny Tagil to Serov highway, a vehicle found itself stuck in deep snow as the evening darkened. Inside the car were a 19-year-old woman and two children, along with another adult who was traveling with them. The group from Nyagan had been en route to Yekaterinburg but took a wrong turn, veered off the road, and became immobilized in the snowdrifts.
Authorities responded promptly. Road inspectors halted traffic to ensure safety, then assisted with the vehicle using cables to pull it clear. Once the car was freed, the family was escorted to the nearest hotel for shelter and rest, ensuring everyone remained safe through the crisis.
In a separate incident on the Serov to Severouralsk to Ivdel route, a family of four encountered trouble while traveling from Ivdel toward Serov in a foreign car. The vehicle suffered an issue with the alternator belt tensioner, leaving the car unable to run. The adult in the car attempted a cold-weather repair, but the effort did not succeed. Responding traffic police arrived quickly, relocated the passengers to secure seating, and towed the car to a nearby gas station for service. There, technicians were able to complete repairs and get the family back on their way. The outcome in this case was positive, thanks to timely intervention and support on the road.
These episodes serve as a reminder to monitor vehicle readiness in freezing conditions and to approach winter drives with heightened caution. Drivers should routinely check battery health, tire tread, fuel level, and the integrity of essential belts and hoses. Quick planning, stable roadside exits, and having a reliable winter kit can make a real difference when temperatures plunge and roads become treacherous.
Driving safety remains a shared responsibility. When weather turns severe, drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distances, and avoid unnecessary trips. If a vehicle becomes immobilized, remaining with the car, signaling for assistance when possible, and waiting in a safe location can reduce risk. In winter, timing and preparation often matter more than speed—well-worn habits can save lives when ice and snow are present on routes from Yekaterinburg through neighboring towns and back again.
Vote in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix for a chance to win
Readers are invited to participate in the Behind the Wheel Grand Prix voting to help spotlight the latest car introductions of the year. Participants can share opinions on what features matter most in the cold season, from reliability to fuel efficiency, comfort, and safety technology. As a token of appreciation for the time spent, a drawing will be held among survey completers. Prizes include several guitar-level items, with eligibility extending to all who finish the questionnaire within the current voting window.
It’s a practical way to influence which models gain attention while encouraging thoughtful discussion about how vehicles perform in harsh winter conditions. The poll is open to the public and designed to reflect real-world driving experiences. Completing the questionnaire provides a voice to everyday drivers who face long, cold commutes and weekend trips alike.
COMPLETE THE 2023 DRIVING GRAND PRIX QUESTIONNAIRE
Note: The initiative encourages participation from readers across regions, acknowledging the importance of firsthand experiences with winter travel. The survey format is straightforward and aims to collect honest feedback about car performance, safety features, and overall driving experience in cold weather conditions.