In the northeastern states of Germany, authorities are warning drivers of dangers on the roads. On one hand, there are local floods caused by melting snow, leading to traffic restrictions and the risk of aquaplaning. On the other hand, the spring migration of amphibians has begun, which also requires drivers to exercise particular caution, especially on specially marked routes.

Floods in the northeast

Police in Neubrandenburg report numerous disruptions on federal, state, and district roads caused by meltwater. They recommend adjusting speed and increased vigilance due to local water accumulations and the risk of aquaplaning.

Amphibian migration on roads

The mating season for frogs and toads has begun, with them migrating en masse to water bodies, often crossing roadways. NABU estimates that thousands of animals die this way each year.

Speed recommendations

On marked amphibian migration sections, nature conservation organizations recommend driving at a speed not exceeding 30 km/h to increase the animals' chances of survival.

In northeastern Germany, particularly in the Neubrandenburg area of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, police have issued warnings for drivers due to road disruptions. These are caused by local floods resulting from intense snowmelt in recent days. Water accumulates in unpredictable locations, creating dangerous puddles and increasing the risk of hydroplaning. Parallel to this meteorological problem, the annual spring migration of amphibians, mainly frogs and toads, to breeding grounds has begun. These animals, guided by instinct, cross roads en masse, which results in the death of thousands of individuals each year. The nature conservation organization NABU is appealing to drivers to exercise particular caution. On specially marked migration routes, known as Amphibienwanderstrecken, it is recommended to reduce speed to 30 km/h. This allows the driver to react in time and gives the amphibians a chance to cross safely.The protection of migrating amphibians on roads is a long-standing problem in many regions of Europe, including Germany. Since the 1970s and 1980s, with the development of road infrastructure and the fragmentation of natural habitats, millions of these animals have died. In response, the first active conservation programs were established, involving the installation of temporary fences and the organization of relocation campaigns. Both the water-related hazard and the presence of animals on the roadway require drivers to adjust their speed to the conditions, increase their attention, and be prepared for sudden braking. „"Das Tauwasser sammelt sich mitunter an unübersichtlichen Stellen und kann eine Gefahr durch Aquaplaning darstellen."” — Police in Neubrandenburg Authorities remind that driving at excessive speed under such conditions is not only dangerous for the driver and other road users but also for the protected animal species whose mass migration we observe at this time of year.

Mentioned People

  • Sascha Schleich — Representative of the nature conservation organization NABU, speaking about amphibian migration and protection.