During the holiday season, truck drivers work tirelessly to deliver parcels in time for Christmas, people travel far and wide to see loved ones, and holidaymakers escape to sunnier climates or snowy slopes. Typically, this all runs smoothly, but a sudden change in weather can turn driving conditions hazardous – particularly for vehicles not equipped to handle such conditions.

In early December, a sudden and heavy snowfall blanketed the west and south of Sweden, causing significant disruption on the roads. Some motorways were even closed overnight. In Sweden, it’s legally required for vehicles to switch to winter tyres during colder months. However, the disruption was largely due to trucks arriving from southern Europe without the appropriate winter tyres, leading to road blockages and highlighting the need for effective winter roadside assistance.

Increase in winter roadside assistance

Travel Support Europe felt the impact of this severe weather, with a 40% increase in callouts during the heavy snowfall compared to previous weeks.

During the same week, Travel Support managed nearly 20 cases of roadside assistance and salvage operations in France in just one day. This surge was also due to extreme weather conditions, with high winds causing trees to fall and block roads. Additionally, the risk of avalanches led to road closures and made some ski resorts, such as Val Thorens, inaccessible.

In such conditions, on-site repairs can be challenging for technicians. Towing and salvaging services often become necessary, even for larger vehicles.

Rescue vehicles equipped to handle wintry conditions

Travel Support Europe’s network of providers is well-equipped to handle vehicle roadside assistance in winter weather. This includes towing and salvaging services for any size of vehicle, from articulated lorries to buses. Our local service providers can access all areas of the countries where we operate, though reaching very remote locations may take a little longer.

Our Operations team is available 24/7. When a new case comes in, we collect all necessary details to ensure the most suitable vehicle is dispatched. We maintain communication with the assistance driver, and if towing or salvaging is required, we’ll transport the vehicle to the nearest verified repair shop or storage depot.

Travel Support Europe will never leave drivers and their passengers out in the cold. We arrange onward travel, replacement transport, and even hotel accommodation to ensure they stay warm and comfortable. Our goal is to provide the safest and most effective solution to get travellers back on track.