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Discover Europe's longest ice road, where seatbelts are banned to save lives

Written by Rafaela Fabris
Published 13/01/2025 às 13:17
Discover Europe's longest ice road, where seatbelts are banned to save lives
You can't wear a seatbelt because if the ice breaks, you have to get out of the car quickly to avoid sinking. It could get in the way when trying to escape and could cost you your life.

Stretching 27 kilometers over the frozen Baltic Sea, this unique road in Estonia defies logic: it prohibits the use of seatbelts, imposes specific speed limits and can only be driven during daylight hours.

Imagine driving on a road where the asphalt is replaced by pure ice, with the sea lurking beneath it, and not being able to wear a seatbelt. This is a reality in Estonia. Known as the longest ice road in Europe, it connects the port of Rohuküla to the island of Hiiumaa in a freezing stretch of approximately 27 kilometers.

Driving on this road is as exciting as it is challenging, with unique rules that, right away, leave anyone intrigued. For example: wearing a seatbelt is prohibited! It seems counterintuitive, but there is an explanation.

What is the Estonian Ice Road?

The priority is to ensure that the driver can escape from the vehicle without delay. Therefore, opening the door and getting out quickly makes all the difference in an emergency.
The priority is to ensure that the driver can escape from the vehicle without delay. Therefore, opening the door and getting out quickly makes all the difference in an emergency.

This highway is not made of concrete or asphalt, but rather of frozen Baltic Sea. Formed between late January and March, when the ice reaches a safe thickness, the road provides a vital connection between the mainland and the island of Hiiumaa.

Although it may seem like something out of a fairy tale, the road is a real phenomenon that combines necessity and adventure. Every harsh winter, locals and tourists have the chance to cross a path that literally floats on the frozen sea.

Why is wearing a seatbelt illegal on this road?

Now you might be wondering: why ban something as basic as seatbelts? The answer is simple: safety in emergencies. If the ice gives way (something rare, but not impossible), getting out of the vehicle quickly could be the difference between life and death.

This rule seems to go against everything we've learned about road safety, but it makes perfect sense when you consider the scenario. It's one of the peculiarities that make this road so fascinating.

The strict rules for driving on ice

When it comes to driving on ice, it’s not just seatbelts that have different rules. Drivers need to follow extremely strict rules to avoid accidents or compromising the structure of the ice.

Controlled speed: Driving below 16 mph or between 25 and 43 mph is mandatory to avoid creating resonance waves under the ice. This phenomenon can literally break the road.

Distance between vehicles: It is essential to maintain intervals of at least three minutes between cars to reduce the weight concentrated on the ice.

Daytime hours: The road only operates during the day, when visibility is better and the ice is more stable.

Local patrols ensure that no one disobeys these rules by monitoring drivers and crossing times.

A unique and exciting experience

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, driving this road is a real treat, as you can’t wear seatbelts. Imagining that you’re literally floating over the Baltic Sea is a unique sensation. Cars of all sizes, from trucks to small Fiat 500s, are seen cruising along this winter route.

However, this experience is not just fun. It is a test of patience, caution and respect for the law.. A small mistake can turn this adventure into a nightmare. Therefore, it is essential to follow the rules and stay focused on safety.

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Milton
Milton
15/01/2025 11:11

It would never work here... three minutes... there would be a guy stuck either trying to overtake or doing a swerve.

Rafaela Fabris

He talks about innovation, renewable energy, oil and gas. With over 1.200 articles published in the CPG, he updates daily on opportunities in the Brazilian job market. Suggestions for topics: rafafabris11@gmail.com

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