The Road Safety Authority have issued an advisory to all motorists to prepare for hazardous conditions on roads and footpaths as Met Éireann has issued a warning for low temperatures and ice.
This will include low single figures by day and sharp or severe frosts and icy patches at night from Wednesday and into the weekend for all of Ireland. There is also a risk of hailstones and snow in some parts of the country.
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 icy roads and be extra cautious on untreated road surfaces.
Road users should also watch out forblack 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. The sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls are prone to black ice.
The advice for drivers to deal with icy road conditions is.
- Clear your windows and mirrors of any ice, carry a screen scraper and de-icer.
- Remember it takes longer to stop in icy conditions. Manoeuvre gently, slow down and increase your braking distance or ‘safe space’ by leaving an extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
- Avoid too much steering, harsh braking, and acceleration.
- Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
- 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.
- Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and allow extra space when overtaking them.
