The Road Safety Authority is advising all road users to take extra care using the roads over the coming days, as road conditions worsen with heavy rain and strong winds.
Met Éireann have also warned of localised flooding, especially in the midlands, which will lead to difficult road conditions.
The Road Safety Authority has advised those undertaking any road trips this weekend to check with local weather reports and An Garda Síochana to plan the best route to their destination.
As well as keeping an eye out for falling and fallen debris on the road, drivers are being asked to watch out for pedestrians and cyclists who may be blown off course.
The RSA has issued a list of tips and guidelines to help keep all road users safe:
- It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, 4 seconds at a minimum (use the 2 second rule and repeat it twice).
- Take special care when driving behind trucks or buses as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility.
- Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility not parking/side lights and fog lights.
- Check tyres and consider replacing them if the thread depth is below 3mm.
- Be mindful of Aquaplaning on roads where 100/120kmh speeds apply. Aquaplaning occurs where the tyre thread fill with water and the driver is at risk of losing control of the vehicle.
- If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think.
- After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes
- Sometimes roads can be closed due to their fragile state after wet weather or because they are blocked by flooding. Always follow recommended routes and obey road closure signs.
- Be aware where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, for example highway dips, bridge, and low areas. If a road is flooded as a result of a river bursting its banks beware the current could be strong enough to sweep your vehicle away.
- Watch out for washed out roads soft road side margins and earth slides.
