Tips on Driving Safely in Bad Weather conditions

It goes without saying that severe weather conditions put road users and their passengers at increased risk.

When you get behind the wheel of a car you take responsibility for your safety, that of your passengers and of course other road users.

It is very important to listen out for weather alerts. The Met Eireann website categorises weather warnings as follows:

STATUS YELLOW

Weather that does not pose a threat to the general population but is potentially dangerous on a localised scale.

Be aware about meteorological conditions and check if you are exposed to danger by nature of your activity or your specific location. Do not take any avoidable risks.

STATUS ORANGE

Infrequent and dangerous weather conditions which may pose a threat to life and property.

Prepare yourself in an appropriate way depending on location and activity. All people and property in the affected areas can be significantly impacted.

Check your activity/event and delay or cancel as appropriate.

STATUS RED

Rare and very dangerous weather conditions from intense meteorological phenomena.

Take action to protect yourself and your property.

Follow instructions and advice given by the authorities under all circumstances and be prepared for exceptional measures.

Weather warnings are usually issued 60 hours ahead of the expected adverse weather, but advisories are issued up to a week in advance.

*source – Met Eireann - Be-Winter-Ready-Booklet-2021.pdf (met.ie)

When faced with Severe Weather conditions of any kind it is important to do the following

Prepare yourself:

• Avoid taking any journeys unless it is absolutely necessary to do so
• Always let someone know where you are going, the route you are taking and the time you expect to arrive
• If using Sat Nav equipment, ensure that you are not being directed to a flooded area
• Allow extra time for your journey and drive with extreme caution
• Keep the radio on and listen to the weather forecasts and updates on road closures
• Make sure you have emergency numbers handy
• Keep emergency supplies in the car, such as warm clothing, a high visibility jacket, wellingtons, and a flask.

Prepare your vehicle:

• Tyres: The minimum legal limit is 1.6mm but a minimum of 3mm is required for driving in winter
• Make sure you have sufficient fuel
• Windscreen wipers should be checked to ensure that they are clean. If you have not changed your windscreen wipers within 12 months, you should do so
• Check your dashboard for any warning lights
• Ensure you have sufficient water in the reservoir
• Check your oil and top it up if necessary
• Make sure all indicators and headlamps are clean and working

Flood conditions:

• Vehicles should be moved to high ground
• Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads. Flood water can appear to be shallow but in reality, can be much deeper. Find a way to turn your vehicle safely and take an alternative route

Driving in Hazardous Conditions:

• Keep both hands on the wheel!
• Turn your lights on, even if it is bright outside
• Snow and ice will always be worse on higher ground. Avoid mountainous areas
• Hail remains on the road even if the road has been salted and poses a particularly high risk for drivers. Slow down when faced with hail but try not to brake as this could result in loss of control of your vehicle
• Fallen trees are a major cause of road incidents. Drive at a reduced speed in order to have time to react to trees blocking the road
• Expect debris on the road
• High sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, especially if they are empty. Dangers are most likely to represent themselves in open stretches of road exposed to strong winds, passing under bridges or gaps in hedges. Keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles, particularly high sided vehicles.
• If you must leave your vehicle, put on your high visibility jacket and ensure you have put the hazard lights on your vehicle as a warning other road users. Find a safe place to wait for emergency services
• Low air temperatures cause black ice. Black ice is mainly located in sheltered or shaded areas, under trees and adjacent to high walls.
• Keep a close eye out for pedestrians and cyclists

For more information visit the RSA website: gov.ie - Road Safety – Be Winter Ready (www.gov.ie)