ROAD SAFETY: Advice from An Garda Síochána to the motoring public during snow and icy conditions

Is your journey absolutely necessary?

Can you use public transport – during these severe weather conditions public transport routes will be prioritised.

If you must use the car, before you begin your journey consider the following:

Put a hi-viz jacket, shovel, boots or wellingtons, extra clothing or a blanket and a flask in the boot of the car, (in case you do get stuck or have to abandon the car).

Check your tyres – pressure, tread depth (minimum 1.6mm) and condition.

Ensure allyour windows are clean and free from snow; bring a scraper and de-icer with you. 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.

Check your lights and indicators as falling snow reduces visibility.

Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged.

If your car has rear wheel drive the addition of extra weight in the boot (eg a bag of sand/cement) will help your tyres to grip.

DURING YOUR JOURNEY REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING:

It takes longer to stop a vehicle in snow or on icy roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.

Keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

Keep your windows clear of snow during your journey.

Manoeuvre gently; avoid harsh braking, acceleration or steering as these can induce a skid.

Use the highest gear possible to reduce the engine revs as this will help avoid wheel spin.

When travelling downhill, especially through a series of bends, select a low gear as early as possible and allow your speed to reduce using the brake pedal gently.

If your vehicle begins to skid you should:

Identify the cause – it is either, too much braking, too much steering, too much acceleration, or a combination of these.

Remove the cause – GENTLY and SMOOTHLY.

If your car has ABS (most modern cars have) it will not skid under braking. If ABS is activated, keep your foot on the brake and steer around whatever caused you to brake.

If you car does not have ABS and starts to skid on the brakes, firstly take your foot off the brakes then re-apply the brakes gently – if the car continues to slide pump the brake pedal as fast as you can (cadence braking) and steer around whatever caused you to brake.

If under acceleration, braking or steering, your vehicle skids and slews sideways - turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the rear wheels are skidding (if rear wheels drifting left turn steering wheel to left) until car comes back in line while at the same time easing off the accelerator/brakes.

Avoid over correction with too much steering, be ready for a secondary skid in the opposite direction.

Heavy snowfall will reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and fog lights if fitted.

At low air temperatures watch out for black ice, especially in sheltered/shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls.

Tune in to your local radio station regularly to keep up to date with information on weather/road conditions, road closures.

 

ADVICE TO PEDESTRIANS

If a journey cannot be avoided be extremely careful as snow and ice can make walking on footpaths very dangerous. Wear sturdy footwear with good gripping soles

Take an extra look before you cross the road and do not attempt to cross the road if there are vehicles around – remember snow and ice increase the distance that cars need to stop.

Visibility is reduced in snowy condition so wear high visibility clothing or carry a torch.

 

ADVICE TO MOTORCYCLISTS AND CYCLISTS

Motorcyclists/Cyclists should consider their safety before using their motorcycles / bicycles in icy/snow conditions. Controlling two wheeled vehicles in snow or icy conditions is extremely difficult and there is an increased danger of a collision with a vehicle that is out of control.

Consider taking alternative transport or walking.

 

MOTORING TIPS – ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS – WIND AND SEVERE FLOODING

In addition to the above when there are high winds and or heavy rain drivers should:

Slow down and increase the distance from the vehicle in front.

If driving a high sided vehicle be prepared, when approaching exposed sections of roadway, for the impact of the wind on the steering dynamics of the vehicle.

Avoid overtaking manoeuvres on such exposed sections.

When passing motorcyclists, cyclists or pedestrians, be prepared for the possibility of the wind blowing them into your path.

Be alert to the possibility of flying debris.

Do not drive at speed into floodwater – there may be a pothole or debris concealed in the water.

Before you drive through deep floodwater ascertain how deep the water is to ensure your vehicle can get through safely.

Remember if you travel at speed into floodwater your vehicle may aquaplane leading to loss of control.

Slow down when in the vicinity of pedestrians or cyclists -avoid spraying them.

In driving rain when visibility is poor drivers should use dipped headlights and keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians, cyclists.

 

MOTORING TIPS – ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS – FOG

In foggy conditions drivers should:

Slow down and increase the distance from the vehicle in front.

Use dipped headlights and front and rear fog lights, if fitted. Remember to switch off fog lights when visibility improves.

Keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

If you have to stop for any reason use your hazard warning lights to warn other drivers.

Do not blindly follow the vehicle in front – it may leave the road for whatever reason.

 

ADVICE FROM THE ROAD SAFETY AUTHORITY

SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVING IN SNOW AND ICE

Is Your Journey Absolutely Necessary? In extreme weather conditions you should ask yourself if making a journey by road is absolutely necessary. You might consider delaying your trip until the weather and road conditions improve. If using the roads in such conditions is unavoidable be prepared. The golden rule is to drive, cycle or walk with care and caution and expect the unexpected. Before setting off on a journey check to see if there are any problems on your intended route. Here are some useful links:

Visit the Department of Transport for updates

Tune in to your local radio station(PDF) to get latest updates in your county

Check the weather at Met Eireann

Check the An Garda Síochána website for travel warnings

For update on the latest traffic news visit the AA Roadwatch website

Is Your Vehicle Ready for winter? As the saying goes ‘Prevention is better than cure’, so take some time to prepare both your vehicle and yourself for the challenges of winter driving. Don’t get caught out when severe weather strikes.

Your first step should be to get your vehicle serviced to ensure it is fit and safe for winter driving. Secondly you should carry out regular checks on the vehicle. You should:

check for wear and tear on wiper blades and replace them as soon as they start to smear rather than clean windows

keep tyre pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level and check you have at least 3 millimetres of tread depth

make sure all vehicle lights are working and clean and top up with anti-freeze and screen wash

Be Seen to Be Safe! When out on the road, walking especially in rural areas high visibility reflective clothing and lights are the only way to stay safe. As children make the journey to school often in the dark, make sure your child can be seen.

Tyres -Get a grip. Remember your only contact with the road surface is your tyres so it’s vital that they are up to the task in icy and snowy conditions. Check tyres, including spare wheel, and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Check your tyres are inflated to the correct tyre pressure. Drive slowly in the highest gear possible, manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking. Replace tyres if necessary.

Make sure you can see . 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. Replace windshield wiper blades if necessary. De-mist the inside of your windows thoroughly. Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of an anti-icing fluid. The glare from the sun can be dazzling in the winter when the sun is low in the sky, so wear sunglasses in these conditions.

Check and use your lights . Use your dipped headlights so that others will see you. Make sure lights are clear of snow.

Driving - Gently does it . 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. Falling snow, fog, rain, or hail will reduces visibility. Do not hang on to the tail lights of the vehicle in front of you as it can give a false sense of security. When you slow down, use your brakes so that the brake lights warn drivers behind you.

Watch out for “black ice.” If the road looks polished or glossy it could be, “black ice” one of winters worst hazards: Black Ice is difficult to see! It is nearly invisible.