The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extreme care when using the roads this weekend as Met Éireann has issued an orange weather alert warning of extreme winds from Saturday afternoonthrough to early Sunday morning.
South-westerly winds veering West with mean speeds of 65 to 80km/h reaching gusts of 110 km/h and130km/h, in exposed coasts and headlands for a time on Saturday evening and early night. There will be high seas and some high tides and coastal flooding is possible.
The RSA also advises road users to:
· Beware of objects being blown out onto the road and to expect the unexpected. In particular watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road. Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.
· Drivers should allow extra space around vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.
· Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
· Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility not parking/side lights and fog lights.
· Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic.
Pedestrians should take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
· Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
· Pedestrians should 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<http://www.rsa.ie/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/Severe-Weather-Advice/> on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.
For more weather updates visit Met Eireann’s website www.met.ie<http://www.met.ie/>
For further information contact;
RSA Communications department 096-25008
Communications Department| Road Safety Authority | Moy Valley Business Park, Primrose Hill, Dublin Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo | Dir 096 25008 | www.rsa.ie<http://www.rsa.ie/>
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extra care when using the roads as Met Eireann has issued a yellow weather warning nationwide from tonight until Thursday evening. Showers will turn wintry tonight in the north and west, with a risk of icy patches. Wintry showers will bring snow accumulations of up to 3 cm at lower levels during tomorrow and through Thursday, with all areas at risk. Showers will be most frequent in the west and north and over hills and mountains with higher accumulations expected there. Wednesday night will be extremely cold and will be well below freezing with frost and ice making for hazardous driving conditions.
The RSA has issued the following advice:
· Check local and National weather forecasts before setting out on a journey. Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.
· Remove ALL snow from your vehicle before commencing your journey. Snow left on the roof will become loose and can drop onto the windscreen during braking, thereby causing sudden and severe restriction to your vision. It can also fall off during your drive and cause injury to pedestrians or a reflex action by another driver.
· In snow and icy conditions manoeuvre gently, slow down and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Too much steering is bad and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
· Remember that heavy snowfall and rain reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and decrease speed smoothly.
· To prevent windscreen wipers from freezing and seizing up in freezing fog, add anti-freeze screen washer to the water tank. Check that the wipers for wear and tear and replace them if they are.
· Do not drive on the tail-lights of the vehicle in front (Target Fixing). This can give a false sense of security and you will be too close to be able to brake safely. In heavy fog, turn off your radio and let down your driver’s window a fraction, so as you can hear other traffic.
Watch out for “black ice.” If the road looks polished or glossy it could be, black ice” one of winter’s worst hazards: Black Ice is difficult to see! It is nearly transparent ice that often looks like a harmless puddle or is overlooked entirely. It can occur especially in sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls.
· Use your dipped headlights so that others will see you. Make sure your headlights and taillights are all in working order, replace broken bulbs.
· Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and allow extra space.
· Check tyres, including spare wheel, replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm and make sure they are inflated to the correct tyre pressure. Lack of grip can occur even on treated roads so drive slowly in the highest gear possible, manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking.
Pedestrians and cyclists are advised to;
· While walking on footpaths and in public places, or entering and exiting your vehicle, DO NOT underestimate the danger of ice.
· Many slips and falls happen in places people regard as safe and secure, typically outside their front door, on the door step, on the path or while getting out of the car. It is very possible that a thin sheet of transparent ice or “Black Ice” is covering your pathway putting you at risk. When you approach a footpath or roadway that appears to be covered with ice, always use extreme caution.
For further information please contact:
RSA Communications Department – 096 25008
Follow the RSA on Facebook and Twitter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RSAIreland
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSAIreland
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.”
Workers & Unemployed Action 