Heat damage on the highway: When blow-ups occur

In persistently high temperatures, dangerous damage to the road surface can occur on certain sections of the highway. Older concrete pavements are particularly affected. As a result of the heat, the surface may lift or break open in places—a phenomenon known as "blow-up." Asphalt pavements are generally not affected by this. However, heat damage can also occur where asphalt repairs adjoin existing concrete slabs.

Concrete share on highways at 30 percent

According to the ADAC, around 30 percent of German highways are made of concrete. Blow-ups occur exclusively on older sections, particularly at joints, seams, and repeatedly repaired areas. Due to their unpredictable occurrence, they are considered a hard-to-calculate risk in road traffic.

Traffic Safety: Caution and Attention Required

Since blow-ups can occur suddenly, extra caution is advised on affected sections of the road. Road users should adjust their speed, increase the distance to the vehicle in front, and strictly observe existing speed limits and warning signs. Motorcyclists are particularly at risk due to the low stability reserves of their vehicles. Areas with visible damage that are not yet marked by warning signs should be reported to the police or the responsible highway maintenance authority. This allows for securing the danger zone to prevent further accidents.

Insurance Coverage for Road Damage

According to the German Insurance Association (GDV), vehicle damage caused by blow-ups is only covered by comprehensive insurance. This also covers costs following self-inflicted accidents due to broken road surfaces.