An unusual road has opened in Estonia, where drivers and passengers are forbidden from wearing seatbelts. This refers to an ice crossing between the islands of Hiiumaa and Saaremaa. The route, approximately 17 kilometers long, is laid directly on the frozen surface of the Baltic Sea, writes Telegraf.news.
Usually, communication between these islands is provided by a ferry, but this winter, the water level first dropped significantly, and then the sea completely froze, halting navigation. When the ice thickness reached the required 20-25 centimeters, authorities allowed a temporary ice road to be opened.
For Estonia, such crossings are not uncommon, although due to climate warming, they have been opening much less frequently in recent years. The condition of the ice is constantly monitored, but drivers must strictly adhere to special rules. Driving is only allowed during the day, and seatbelts are forbidden – in case the ice cracks and the car starts to sink, an unbelted person will be able to exit the car faster.
Speed of movement is also important. Driving too slowly is not allowed, as it can cause dangerous ice resonance. It is recommended to maintain a speed of at least 25 km/h, optimally 40 to 70 km/h.
From the first day, the crossing generated great interest: queues of dozens of cars formed on both shores. For many residents, this route saves time compared to the ferry, which operates unreliably in winter.
Although there are other ice roads in the region, not all of them have official status. The State Transport Agency decided not to open new crossings this season due to financial constraints. Therefore, residents of some islands lay their own routes, but using them is at their own risk.
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