Stéphane Place 11:43 a.m., February 04, 2023

On this first day of leaving on vacation, especially to the ski resorts, it is recommended to be careful on the road, especially when overtaking a salt spreader.

In 48 hours, three Vinci Autoroutes machines were struck, just in the Pyrenees.

At the microphone of Europe 1, Vinci Autoroutes recalls the rules to be respected.

It's the start of the winter holidays for zone A and the traffic looks difficult in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes.

Bison Futé sees red because of the many departures to ski resorts.

It is recommended to avoid the A43 motorway between Lyon and Chambéry until 5 p.m.

If you are on the road, watch out for salting operations.

Vinci Autoroutes reminds you that there are rules to follow when you get to the height of a snow removal machine.

Three salt spreaders hit in the southwest in 48 hours

"I was watching my salting desk, my camera shows me that the salt is flowing well. I heard the screeching of tires, I turn my head to see what was happening in my rear view mirror. I felt that "I was hit on the front left wheel. I saw the vehicle go back in front of my truck in a spin, in the opposite direction, the traffic on the slides in an emergency lane", recalls Ludovic, technician at Vinci Autoroutes.

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Fortunately, more fear than harm for the motorist and for Ludovic.

He is one of three technicians from Vinci Autoroutes whose salt spreader was hit in the space of 48 hours, in the southwest.

The three accidents took place when overtaking these machines which are huge heavy weights, visible from afar.

Vinci Autoroutes calls for caution

"During the spreading of salt, these vehicles circulate with a blue light, so they are visible from very far away. On the other hand, it must be borne in mind that these are vehicles which circulate at a slow pace", explains Nicolas Mathonnière, district manager at Vinci Autoroutes, in Langon.

"During the spreading phase, they travel at 50 kilometers per hour. The rule is to be extremely careful when approaching these vehicles. Once again, we must facilitate their passage."

Vinci Autoroutes calls for caution and indicates that the company will systematically file a complaint in the event of a collision with these vehicles.