If you are driving home for Christmas this festive season there are a number of top tips to ensure that you get home safely during these cold winter months.
While good practice on the roads is something that motorists should bear in mind all year long, with the freezing conditions, adverse weather and increased traffic on the roads at this time of year, motorists are advised to take extra care.
With that in mind, the great people over at the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have provided us with some useful tips for road users this winter.
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Is it necessary?
During extreme weather conditions, you should ask yourself is making a journey by road absolutely necessary. The RSA advises that you may want to delay your journey until the weather improves.
Be responsible
If you are going out for a drink, leave the car keys at home. Instead, get a taxi/hackney, minibus, public transport or take turns to designate a driver. Don’t forget that time is the only way to get alcohol out of your system, so don’t assume you are safe to drive the morning after a night out.
Are you road ready?
Before you take to the road this festive season you should make sure your windows are clear, that your mirrors are clear and that your lights are working properly. Remember, if it’s a frosty morning, don’t use boiling water on the glass as it can crack your windscreen.
Light it up!
Make sure that you have your headlights switched on regardless of the time of day. Winter is a time when darkness can loom at any stage of the day and you need to make sure you can see and be seen by other road users. Make sure to test your lights, particularly before long journeys.
Sunshine and snow
Whatever the weather brings, one of the most dangerous issues for driving in snow is the gleam of sunlight off it. Be sure to have sunglasses at hand in your car – they’re not just for summer time!
Ice, ice baby
In icy conditions, the road can become a treacherous place. Ensure you put extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Slow down, but use your brakes gently and in plenty of time to warn the drivers behind you that you are bringing your speed down. Manoeuvre gently as too much steering can be dangerous on icy roads and also use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. However, you should select a low gear if you are travelling downhill, especially if there are bends on the road. And remember – always watch out for black ice, particularly in sheltered/shaded areas.
All about that base
A car must have a good grip on the ground during winter months and to ensure that your tyres are up to scratch make sure the tyre tread is correct and if necessary, purchase a set of winter tyres. If your car has rear wheel drive the addition of extra weight in the boot will help your wheels to grip.
Fill up
With festive opening hours at a lot of garages and petrol stations, make sure you have enough in the tank to get you from A to B. Not only that, but you should make sure that your oil and water are topped up for a trip.
Be prepared
None of us want to get stranded on the side of a road at any hour of the day, but you should be prepared for a ‘just in case’ scenario. This involves packing some essentials to keep in your boot at all times, which will include a high-visibility jacket, a torch, extra clothes, or a blanket and an ice-scraper.
Expect the unexpected
The mantra for driving all year round, expecting the unexpected rings, even more, true during the winter period. Be it anything from snow to stray animals, you must be prepared for any eventuality on the road. Remember in particular to watch out for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists who may be difficult to see on account of the weather.
It’s all a bit foggy
Fog is common during the winter season and if it’s foggy while you are out on the road, remember to slow down and increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Make sure to use dipped headlights and switch on your rear and front fog lights – but don’t forget to switch these off when the fog lifts.
Walking in a winter wonderland
Pedestrians are advised to take extra care during the winter as snow and ice can make walking quite hazardous. Wear sturdy footwear, be aware that compacted snow may have turned to ice and try not to walk with your hands in your pockets as they will help you if you fall. Take that extra look before crossing the road and do not attempt to cross if there are vehicles approaching – particularly during icy conditions. Vehicles need an increased distance to brake during adverse weather. And remember, be safe, be seen – wear high visibility clothing and carry a torch.
Get on your bike
Motorcyclists and cyclists need to be extra vigilant this time of year, as controlling a two-wheeled vehicle can be extremely difficult, particularly in icy weather. Consider taking alternative transport or walking and as with other road users, be safe and be seen – wear high visibility clothing.
And finally…
If you are travelling over the festive period, make sure you arrive alive by slowing down, not driving while impaired, through either drink, drugs or fatigue and to always wear a seatbelt. Pedestrians and cyclists need to take special care when out and about this Christmas by wearing something reflective such as a Sam Browne belt or high-vis jacket.
For more information on how to be prepared and keep safe during extreme weather conditions, check out the Office of Emergency Planning’s’ ‘Be Winter Ready’ booklet on www.rsa.ie The main message is simple – be prepared, stay safe and know where to find help should you need it.
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