The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are reminding drivers to be aware of the danger posed by ‘sun glare’, which results in drivers being temporarily dazzled or blinded by the intensity and brightness of a low sun on the horizon.
The appeal comes as provisional crash reports suggest that drivers being temporarily blinded by ‘sun glare’ may have been a contributory factor in some fatal collisions in 2014.
Commenting on the issue Ms. Moyagh Murdock, CEO, RSA said “Because, at this time of the year, the sun sits so low in the sky, late in the morning and early evening, corresponding with the main commuting times, the sun visor on the car isn’t really much help at all. If a driver is driving straight into such a sun he or she can be completely dazzled by the sheer intensity and brightness of its rays. The situation is made worse if the windscreen is dirty or greasy or if it’s been raining, or the ground is covered with snow. In this situation the glare reflects off the wet or snow covered road to further dazzle the driver.
Chief Superintendent Michael O’Sullivan, Garda National Traffic Bureau, advises driver on what they should do, “Reducing your speed is the first and most obvious thing to do. Slowing down on the approach to junctions, corners and bends is critical. You simply don’t know what hazard may be up ahead at these potential risk spots, and one you certainly won’t be anticipating is being blinded by sun glare.”
“Ensure your windscreen is clean inside and out. Add windshield washer fluid to the water in the reservoir and check that the wipers are not worn away or damaged. Replace them if they are. Buying polarised sun glasses, and keeping a pair in the car is also a must. They will help greatly if driving into a sun that’s low on the horizon.” He added.
Concluding Ms Murdock said, “If you are heading East in the morning, the direction the sun rises or heading West in the late afternoon, where it sets, please be conscious of sun glare. By simply being aware of this problem, which we all need to take more seriously, we will be able to read the environment and conditions and make better decisions when we are driving. Importantly we won’t get caught out or blinded by the sun when turning the next corner.”
I call on all Dáil deputies to support this call in the interest of the Irish People.
I heartily welcome the Victory of the Anti-Austerity Syriza Party in the Greek general Election.
The Greek people have supported all those in Europe suffering from the unjust austerity imposed by the Troika. They have opened a door for the long suffering Irish People. We must grasp this opportunity with both hands immediately.
With Syriza, we must support and prepare for a European Debt Conference to write down the debt of all programme countries.
Seamus Healy TD 087-2802199
Statement by Seamus Healy TD
Despite the excellent dedicated work of staff at St Conlon’s Community Nursing Unit, Nenagh and at Dean Maxwell Community Nursing Unit,Roscrea, these nursing units are among 21 public nursing homes threatened with sanctions up to and including closure.
This is basically due to the failure of government to invest in upgrading the homes and a consequent finding of “major non-compliance” by inspecting body HIQA.
Deputy Seamus Healy raised this issue at last Thursday’s meeting (15/1/2015) of the Oireachtas Health Committee.
Deputy Healy demanded clarification of the position from Minister Varadkar and Tony O’Brien Director of the Health Service Executive.
Mr O’Brien confirmed the seriousness of this issue when he said “The challenge for re-registration of public long-stay beds with HIQA is a significant issue to be dealt with over the coming months as there is insufficient capital funding available to meet all requirements and there are over 30 large units who provide in excess of 2,500 beds and where there is, currently, insufficient funding in the capital plan to bring this infrastructure to the required standard. “
Further detailed information was contained in the Sunday Business Post.
Neither nursing home was identified in the HSE Service Plan for 2015 as projects that will secure capital investment in the coming year. HIQA said in its report “if a centre is not in compliance by July 1, 2015 and if no realistic, time-bound costed/funded plan has been agreed with the Authority, then appropriate conditions will be attached to any renewal of registration”
In addition to closure, HIQA can impose conditions for continued operation which can include forcing nursing homes to reduce the number of residents or high-dependency patients they have.
A HSE document leaked last year said that 300 millionEuro was required to upgrade public nursing units. But only 7.3 million is being allocated for the entire country this year in the HSE service plan. Neither of the two nursing homes was identified in the service plan for capital investment this year.
The neglect of these homes by government is unforgivable. Capital investment must be provided immediately to these homes before July 1, 2015.
There is a particular obligation on Government politicians in Tipperary, including Ministers Kelly and Hayes, to insist that the HSE Service Plan be amended to include the required capital investment.
Additional direct government funding must be allocated to secure the future of these units.
Seamus Healy TD
087-2802199
Workers & Unemployed Action 