Safety advice for road users

21 Dec 2009
The Road Safety Authority is advising road users to take extra care on the roads as Met Eireann warns of freezing conditions and further wintry showers.
Advice for road users in snowy or freezing conditions;
Greater levels of observation, anticipation and concentration are required when driving in snowy or icy conditions
Clear windows and mirrors before setting 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.
Remember it takes longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road. Therefore drive slowly and allow extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
If driving an automatic, familiarise yourself with the Manual Override function. This will allow you manually select an appropriate gear so as to avoid braking where that might lead to skidding.
Manoeuvre gently, avoid harsh braking and acceleration
To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, using the clutch smoothly and allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently
Remember that heavy snowfall and rain reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and decrease speed smoothly
Watch out for black ice, especially in sheltered/shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls.
Check tyres to ensure minimum tread depth of 1.6mm and correct tyre pressure
Check if your vehicle ‘Owner’s Manual’ to see if you vehicle has any of the following and know how they assist your driving; ABS – Anti Lock Braking System; EBD – Electronic Brake force Distribution: TCS – Traction Control System; EBA – Electronic Brake Assist; ESP - Electronic Stability Programme
Advice for Cyclists, Pedestrians and Motorcyclists
Walk on the footpath or if there is no footpath on the right hand side of the road (walking towards oncoming traffic)
Visibility is reduced in snowy conditions wear high visibility clothing or carry a torch and ensure the lights on your bike are working correctly
Cyclists are reminded that they are required to have a white light to the front and a red solid light to the rear.
Cyclists should wear an approved helmet and consider clear eye protection.
Motorcyclists/Cyclists should not compromise their safety by their ‘need’ to travel in icy/snow conditions. Cancel your journey or take alternative transport.
Motorcyclists should avoid wearing a dark visor in any bad light conditions.
Motorcyclists should wear suitable clothing and footwear to withstand the cold/rain. This will allow for good concentration as well as protecting the rider/pillion against fatigue and hypothermia.
Remember other road users may not ‘expect’ you and could therefore compromise your safety.
For updates on weather forecasts Visit Met Eireann’s website www.met.ie or the National Roads Authority’s Road Weather Information website www.nra.ie/RoadWeatherInformation .
The NRA has a network of 52 weather monitoring stations and road sensors located on National Roads. These stations are part of an Ice Detection and Prediction System for the forecasting of ice formation on national roads during the winter months. The web-page provides the actual readings from the road sensors in real time. The information provided includes Road Surface Temperature, Air Temperature, Wind Speed, Wind Direction and the Road State i.e. whether there is ice, frost, snow, wet and whether the road has been treated