The Beast from the East is coming.
For all we know, when you’re reading this, it may even be here.
At the time of writing, the exact intensity of the Beast remains to be seen – all we know now is that we’re expecting a lot of snow to fall tonight, a significant drop in temperatures, and a few potential days off school and work later on in the week.
Met Éireann has already issued an orange weather warning for 7 counties and judging by the severe lack of bread and fruit available in shops, it’s probably safe to go ahead and assume that this storm will be a bit more intense to what we’re used to.
In these situations, the best advice is usually to stay indoors.
However, if you can’t and you absolutely need to go somewhere that public transport simply cannot take you (if it’s running at all), the Road Safety Authority has issued a few precautions you can take to ensure that you make your drive in the snow as safe as possible.
1. Get a grip
Loss of grip can occur on any road so it’s necessary to be prepared for the worst. Make sure you drive in the highest gear possible and very slowly to minimise skidding.
Check your tyres, including the spare wheel, and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Ensure the tyres are inflated to the correct tyre pressure and if they’re not, replace them.
2. Make sure you can see
Clear all your windows and mirrors of ice using a de-icer before you set out (don’t use hot water because this will crack the glass!)
De-mist the inside of your windows and be prepared for the glare of the sun by having a pair of sunglasses in the car with you at all times.
3. Check and use your lights
Make sure all your lights are clear of snow and use your dipped headlights to let others on the road know you’re there too.
4. Leave a good distance between vehicles
Don’t brake harshly, don’t steer too much, and leave a good distance between you and the car in front.
Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin and select a low gear when travelling downhill, especially if through bends.
Essentially, just be gentle, don’t rush, and be aware of your surroundings.
5. Be wary of black ice
Black ice tends to show up in sheltered and shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls.
Watch out for it on a road that looks particularly polished or glossy.
6. Know how to use your brakes
Step, Stay and Steer. Step on the pedal. Stay on the pedal. Steer around the obstacle. A little bit of steering goes a very long way in an emergency.
7. Be familiar with your vehicle
Check if you have Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti Lock Braking System (ABS) to help you drive in severe weather conditions.
Even if you do though, you’ll still need to be extremely careful.
8. Carry the following in the boot of your car
– High visibility vest
– Tow rope
– Spare bulbs
– Spare fuel
– Shovel
– Appropriate footwear
– Hazard warning triangle
– Spare wheel, with tyre at correct pressure and tread
– De-icing equipment (both for glass and door locks)
– First aid kit
– Fire extinguisher
– Torch
– Car blanket, additional clothing, some food and water
You never know what’ll happen.
9. Stay updated
Make sure you check in on weather apps, the news, and Met Éireann throughout the day. Traffic updates are an absolute necessity if you’re planning on going anywhere.
10. Stay in
At the end of the day, if you can, just don’t leave the house.
