Be Wary On Wet Wintry Routes As Road Safety Issue Video Warning

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads on Friday night and for much of Saturday, as Met Éireann has warned that heavy rain fall is on the way.

The RSA is asking road users to check national and local weather updates over the weekend and to also check local road and traffic conditions before making a trip.

The RSA has the following advice for road users when driving in wet conditions:

• It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front
• Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility
• Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists
• Be aware of the danger of aquaplaning especially on roads with speed limits of 100 km/h and 120 km/h
• Check tyres and consider replacing them if the thread depth is below 3mm
• Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility to ensure you are seen by other motorists

With added risks posed by wet or flooded roads the RSA has the following advice:

• If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think
• After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes
• Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic
• Watch out for washed out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and fallen or falling objects

Advice to Pedestrians & Cyclists:

• Be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt
• Walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths

For advice on severe weather driving tips, please see severe weather advice on the RSA website. For more weather updates visit Met Éireann’s website www.met.ie.