Take care out there folks.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has today issued motoring advice for drivers after national forecaster Met Éireann issued a Status Orange weather warning for today.
The RSA is advising all road users to take extreme care when using the roads, especially in exposed western coastal areas and they have offered these tips to help motorists brave the wet and windy weather that is forecast:
Beware of objects being blown out onto the road
And expect the unexpected. In particular, they advise watching out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road.
Cross winds
Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds with high sided vehicles and motorcyclists particularly vulnerable. As a precaution, drivers should allow extra space around vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists, as they may be blown off course by strong winds. Motorists are also advised to be extra vigilant in watching out for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Light up
The RSA advises that motorists use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility and not parking/side lights and fog lights. Be sure to leave enough distance between your car and the car in front of you.
For pedestrians…
The RSA advises that they should take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow them into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are also advised to ensure that they can be seen, by wearing bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
Similarly, pedestrians should walk on a footpath, not on the street and, if there are no footpaths, to walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic.
More advice
For more advice on severe weather driving tips please see their severe weather advice on their website here, or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.
