Safety advice: Road users urged to show caution as snow arrives

MOTORISTS have been urged to drive with caution over the coming days as the country is set to be blanketed with snow.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to prepare for cold weather conditions as Met Éireann issued a warning for cold temperatures with sharp or severe frosts and icy patches developing at night.

It comes as the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) Crisis Management Team has urged the public to continue to avoid unnecessary travel as a Status Yellow warning is in place for Leinster, Munster and Connacht from 8am tomorrow until 8am on Friday.

The RSA has advised road users to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on any essential journeys and being observant of hazardous conditions on roads and footpaths.

Drivers are also advised to clear windows and mirrors before leaving home, using a screen scraper and de-icer.

The RSA advises removing all snow from your vehicle before commencing your journey and slowing down in snow and icy conditions, leaving extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.

Kieran Hanley of AA Roadwatch also released a guide to driving safely in snow, which recommends drivers use dipped headlights and avoid sudden braking or harsh manoeuvres which could cause skidding.

AA Roadwatch recommends clearing the car roof before setting off, as snow or hail build-up could slide onto the windscreen and block the driver’s field of vision, or slide off and cause a hazard for another driver.

Motorists are also urged to make sure their tyres are fit for purpose, to plan journeys in advance, remain informed on the weather forecasts for their area, and be aware of the worst affected routes which may disrupt their commute.

Drivers should also keep an eye out for others on the roads, especially pedestrians and cyclists as they may need to alter their course too to avoid snow or icy patches on the paths or at the side of the road.