A worker for state-owned Avtomagistrali has died on a motorway, and road experts say the most likely cause is aquaplaning. Pre-trial proceedings in the case are under way.
This report follows our earlier story about an employee of state company Avtomagistrali who was killed at the 49th kilometre of the Trakia motorway, in the direction of Burgas, while securing the scene of another crash.
Experts say the state of the road surface is one of the main factors behind aquaplaning.
The European Centre for Transport Policies also warned of another danger, which it calls "bitumen planing". The centre's study found bitumen on the road near Vladaya. It reduces the grip of tyres, and cars skid even on a dry surface.
Diana Rusinova from the centre said that in hot weather the bitumen rises above the stone chippings and the road becomes more slippery than in aquaplaning. She said aquaplaning itself is very treacherous, and few tips can help against it.
Drivers who pass through Vladaya blame the more frequent accidents on the damaged surface, missing drainage and unsuitable speed. One woman driver described the stretch as a very gloomy spot that demands great attention. Another driver thinks people drive recklessly, which is why crashes happen there.
The Road Agency confirmed the problem in a written statement: "Reduced grip has been found on the section, and a repair is therefore planned." It gave no date for the repair.