The KNMI issued code orange for almost all of the Netherlands on Wednesday. The meteorological institute expects a lot of snow and therefore slippery roads, especially in the morning. Code yellow only applies in Limburg and the Wadden Islands. In most places, 3 to 7 centimeters of snow is expected and “some more locally”, reports the KNMI.
To prevent the country from further gridlocking, Rijkswaterstaat discourages people from going on the road on Wednesday and advises them to work from home if possible. Code orange, the second highest warning level, is expected to last until 4 p.m. It will probably become drier around noon. Five questions about the winter weather.
1What does Rijkswaterstaat advise?
The agency of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has therefore asked road users to work from home on Wednesday “where possible” so as not to end up in a “very busy Wednesday morning rush hour” “due to heavy snowfall”. On Tuesday, the morning rush hour was not too bad in most places in the country – especially compared to Monday, when code orange was also in effect. It seemed that many people had already decided to work from home, concluded the ANWB, among others. To keep the roads passable, Rijkswaterstaat will deploy 577 gritters, 630 snow plows and 1,500 people on Wednesday. In the event of sleet or ice formation, the agency of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management can also use so-called emergency machines called ‘Lavastorm’ and ‘Firestorm’.
2What to do if you really have to go on the road?
There are people who, despite the warnings, still have to take to the road. ANWB press officer Sanne Over, for example, mentions “midwives and nurses”. But also people who “have to go to the hospital themselves”. The most important thing to get from A to B safely in these weather conditions are winter tires, she says. “If you don’t have one and you have to go on the road: ask those around you if you can borrow a car that does have them.”
In the Netherlands, unlike in Germany, winter tires are not mandatory. “The four seasonstires are an excellent alternative, but in extreme frost or snow, as is the case now, that is actually not sufficient,” she says.
3How do you adapt your driving style?
It is of course important to keep extra distance. “Cut your speed in half, calculate extra travel time so you don’t have to rush,” says the ANWB spokeswoman. “Accelerate slowly, look far ahead and, in the event of an emergency stop, fully depress the brake pedal, this will activate the anti-lock braking system (ABS).” This ensures that it remains possible to steer, so that skidding can be prevented. “And, of course: make sure the lights are on when visibility is poor. For yourself and your fellow road users.” She also mentions good preparation. “On the website Rijkswaterstaatstruikt.nl can be found on which roads gritting takes place. These are all A-roads anyway, as far as the N-roads are concerned it is useful to check your route.” It is also important to ensure that your car is “completely free of snow and ice”, a warm coat, some food and drinks and a charged telephone. “So you can call roadside assistance if you have a breakdown.”
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4And what do the trains do?
On Tuesday, rail traffic came to an almost complete standstill. There were no NS trains running until 10 a.m. in the morning. There were already problems with switch failures due to the snowfall and these were exacerbated by a major computer failure. There may also be “considerable inconvenience” for travelers on Wednesday, rail manager ProRail reports. That is why the ‘winter timetable’ is once again in force, just like on Tuesday afternoon. This means that fewer trains will run on a number of routes. Travel time may therefore increase and some travelers will have to transfer more often, according to the carrier. Other rail companies also warn of trip cancellations due to the winter weather.
5But can your employer actually force you to come to the office in snow?
Working from home is no legally established right. As an employee, you are in principle responsible for showing up to work, even in the event of snowfall or slippery conditions. The fact that the weather is bad does not automatically mean that you can stay at home. Even if public transport is not running, you are expected to show up for work. Only in exceptional situations – for example if it is really impossible to get to work safely – can force majeure occur and you will still be entitled to wages. Fortunately, in practice it almost always applies: in good consultation with your employer you can usually arrive at a reasonable solution.
The scheme exists for those who cannot work from home and work outside, for example in construction ‘unworkable weather’. In the event of icy or heavy snow, an employer can temporarily decide to stop work. In that case, the wages will not simply continue to be paid, but a temporary unemployment benefit can be applied for via the UWV, provided that agreements have been made about this in the collective labor agreement.
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