Drivers urged to be prepared for 'treacherous' road conditions - RSA

Eva Osborne

With extreme low temperatures and multi-hazardous conditions expected, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging all road users to be prepared for treacherous road conditins.

It comes as a status orange snow and ice warning has been issued for Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick and Tipperary for snow and ice from 5pm Saturday until 5pm on Sunday.

A yellow warning for sleet and snow is in place for much of the country for the same period with heavy rain expected in southern parts also.

Some tips for drivers before setting off include:

• Remember your only contact with the road surface is your tyres so it’s vital that they are up to the task in icy and snowy conditions;
• Check tyres, including the spare wheel, and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Check that tyres are inflated to the correct tyre pressure;
• Be Safe, Be Seen, make sure your headlights and taillights are all in working order. Replace broken bulbs;
• Remove accumulations of snow and ice from the vehicle;
• Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and deicer. Don’t use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass;
• De-mist the inside of your windows thoroughly. Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of an anti-icing fluid;
• Be prepared for sun glare by having sunglasses within reach;
• People travelling long journeys are advised to check weather/ road conditions not just where you are starting from, but at your destination and along the route, as conditions may vary significantly;
• Ask yourself, is your journey essential?;
• Allow extra time for your journey.

In prolonged icy or snowy driving conditions it is advisable to carry the following in the boot of the car:

• High Visibility Vest;
• Tow rope;
• Spare bulbs;
• Spare fuel;
• A shovel;
• Appropriate footwear in case you have to leave your vehicle i.e. boots;
• A hazard warning triangle;
• Spare wheel (with tyre at correct pressure and tread). Some cars may have an inflation repair kit instead of a spare wheel. Make sure that you know how to use it;
• De-icing equipment (Both for glass and door locks);
• First aid kit (in good order);
• A working torch;
• A car blanket, additional clothing, some food, and water.