The Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) said that it's time for drivers to recall their winter driving skills and factor in longer drive times in connection with their fellow motorists as well as weather conditions.

"These statistics indicate that it's time for drivers to recall their winter driving skills — ranging from cleaning snow and ice off their vehicles to factoring extra time into their drives," said Hannes Kullamäe, director of traffic control at the PPA's North Prefecture. "One needs to take into account both fellow drivers as well as the fact that braking distances increase in slippery conditions."

Major highways have been treated with road salt, but drivers are being asked to be extra careful on side roads and in stretches of road passing through forest. Increasingly wintry weather conditions mean it's also high time for drivers to put winter tires on their vehicles.

"While they are required only as of Dec. 1, actual road conditions demand them now already," Kullamäe said. "With black ice, winter tires alone aren't enough; drivers also have to adjust their driving style in accordance with weather and road conditions."

The PPA official confirmed that the police are prepared to start checking drivers' tires for compliance beginning this Sunday, Dec. 1.

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