?BREAKING: Major road safety warnings issued to motorists over cold snap – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

?BREAKING: Major road safety warnings issued to motorists over cold snap




The Road Safety Authority and the AA have advised road users to prepare for dangerous driving conditions ahead of the forecast of freezing weather in the coming days.

Met Éireann warned that temperatures will “widely drop” to -4C later this week and forecast dangerous conditions with severe to severe frost and frozen surfaces.

Issued a yellow status ice and low temperature warning, effective 10 p.m. m. Thursday until 10 a.m. of Friday.

A broader winter weather advisory said it will be very cold early next week as an air mass establishes in the Arctic, causing severe frost and icing or black ice on roads and trails.

There will be some showers of hail, sleet, and snow with a chance of freezing fog, especially this weekend.

The RSA said drivers should expect icy roads, be extremely cautious on unpaved roads and watch out for black ice.

“If the road looks polished or glossy it could be ‘black ice’, one of winter’s worst hazards,” the RSA said, reports RTE.

RSA tips for tackling icy roads include:

– Clean windows and mirrors from ice, take a scraper and defroster with you.
– Remember that it takes longer to stop in icy conditions.
– Steer smoothly, slow down, and increase your stopping distance or “safe space” by leaving extra distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
– Avoid excessive steering, sudden braking and acceleration.
– Use the highest possible gear to avoid wheel slippage. Select a low gear when traveling downhill, especially when cornering.

Hailstones

Met Éireann also warned of the risk of hailstorms, especially in the western and northern parts.

RSA recommendations for driving in hail include:

– Slow down, if possible without braking. Warn other drivers by using your hazard lights.
– Driving slowly in a high gear will help the tires maintain grip even when moving over packed ice balls.
– Accelerate and brake very smoothly and drive slowly in turns where you are more likely to lose control.
– Be aware of road markings that could be hidden and put a lot of distance between you and the vehicle ahead.

Sleet and snow

There is also a risk of sleet and snow in parts of the north and west.

Motorists in these conditions are advised to:

– Remove all snow from the vehicle before starting the trip.
– In snowy and icy conditions, slow down. Use all controls carefully and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
– In snowy or sleet conditions, visibility will be reduced. Do not drive with the vehicle’s taillights ahead.
– In heavy snowfall, use your fog lights, turn off the radio, and open your windows so you can hear other traffic, especially at intersections.
car maintenance

Meanwhile, the AA said people should make sure their car is in good condition before the expected winter weather.

Paddy Comyn, the AA’s head of communications, said the tires need to be checked because when temperatures drop below seven degrees, the tires used in Ireland “don’t behave brilliantly”, reports RTE.

Comyn said that after severe weather several years ago, most county councils now have enough sand for the fairways.

The RSA also recommends checking your tires, making sure they are at the correct pressure, and replacing them if the tread depth falls below 3mm.

pedestrians and cyclists

Drivers are also asked to pay attention to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, and to allow extra space when passing.

The RSA has the following advice for pedestrians and cyclists:

– Even when surfaces don’t feel particularly icy or slippery, there’s a good chance that a thin layer of “black ice” is covering your path, putting you at risk.
– Many slip and falls occur in places that people consider to be safe and secure, typically outside the front door, doorstep, sidewalk, or when getting out of a car.
– If you walk in icy conditions, wear suitable footwear.
– Visibility is reduced by hail, sleet, or snow, so wear high visibility clothing or bring a flashlight at night.

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