Road Safety Alert –Advisory for Ireland

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road users to prepare for hazardous conditions on roads and footpaths from today Monday 18 November as Met Éireann has issued a weather advisory for wintry hazards including frost and ice and the potential for sleet, snow and hail throughout the week.

After the recent prolonged spell of mild weather road users are being advised not to get caught out by a drop in temperatures. They should expect hazardous conditions with a potential for reduced visibility. Road users are also urged to exercise caution particularly on untreated road surfaces.

On Monday evening snowfall accumulations are possible in Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo, Monaghan and Sligo from 7pm to 11am Tuesday Morning. This could lead to poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions.

There is a low temperature/Ice warning for Ireland from 8pm Tuesday to 10am Wednesday and 8pm Wednesday to 10am Thursday where it will be very cold with widespread frost and icy stretches. This could lead to hazardous conditions on roads and paths and some travel disruption.

Road users are being advised to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on any journeys. The RSA has the following practical advice for road users in snowy and icy conditions:

Drivers are advised:

• Remove all snow and Ice 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.
• Clear windows and mirrors before you set out, use a screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.
• Remember it takes longer to stop in and snow and icy conditions. Slow down, use all controls delicately and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Avoid over steering and harsh braking and harsh acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
• Drivers of high sided vehicles like trucks and buses are particularly at risk from both the dangers posed by snow but also from the high winds associated with heavy snow conditions.
• In snowy conditions, visibility will be reduced. 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.
• Use dipped headlights at all times, and fog lights in heavy snow to ensure you are seen by other motorists (but don’t forget to turn them off afterwards).
• Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, people who cycle and ride motorcycles and allow extra space.
• Check tyres and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Check they’re inflated to the correct tyre pressure.
• Familiarise yourself with any safety assist technology like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) in your vehicle.

For a copy of the RSA’s ‘Top 10 tips for driving in snowy conditions click here.

Pedestrians are advised:

• Each winter, slips and fall accidents cause serious injuries. Even when surfaces do not look especially icy or slippery, it is very possible that a thin sheet of transparent ice or “Black Ice” is covering your pathway putting you at risk.
• Wear appropriate footwear. Walk on the footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
• DO NOT underestimate the danger of snow and 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. When you approach a footpath or roadway that appears to be covered with snow or ice, always use extreme caution.
• While walking on footpaths and in public places, or entering and exiting your car or truck, DO NOT underestimate the dangers of frost and ice.
• Be Safe. Be Seen. Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.

For a copy of the RSA’s ‘Top 10 tips to avoid a fall or slip in snowy conditions click here.

People who cycle and ride motorcycles are advised:

• You should not compromise your safety by travelling in snowy conditions.
• Visibility is reduced in snowy conditions so cyclists should wear a Sam Browne Bandoleer belt or high visibility vest and ensure the lights on your bike are working correctly.
• Be Safe. Be Seen. Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.

More safety tips for Pedestrians, people who cycle and ride motorcycles while using the roads in snowy conditions can be found here.

For advice on severe weather driving tips and weather updates, please see severe weather advice on or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.

See advice on driving in our series of Severe Weather Warning videos created in collaboration with Teresa Mannion.

For more weather updates visit Met Eireann’s website here