RSA issues road safety alert as Met Éireann predicts dangerous icy conditions throughout the week

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging road users to brace themselves for hazardous conditions on roads and footpaths starting from today, Monday 18 November.

This comes as Met Eireann has issued a weather advisory for wintry hazards including frost, ice, and the potential for sleet, snow, and hail throughout the week.

After enjoying a prolonged spell of mild weather, road users are being cautioned not to be caught off guard by the sudden drop in temperatures. They should anticipate hazardous conditions with a potential for reduced visibility, particularly on untreated road surfaces.

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On Monday evening, snowfall accumulations are possible in Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, and Monaghan from 7pm to 8am Tuesday morning. This could result in poor visibility and challenging travel conditions.

A low temperature/Ice warning has been issued for Ireland from 8pm Tuesday to 10am Wednesday and again from 8pm Wednesday to 10am Thursday.

During these periods, it will be very cold with widespread frost and icy stretches, potentially leading to hazardous conditions on roads and paths and some travel disruption.

Road users are advised to check local traffic and weather conditions before embarking on any journeys. The RSA has provided practical advice for road users in snowy and icy conditions.

Drivers are advised:

Before setting off on your journey, ensure all snow and ice are removed from your vehicle. Snow left on the roof can become loose, dropping onto the windscreen during braking and severely restricting your vision.

It could also fall off during your drive, potentially causing injury to pedestrians or a reflex action by another driver.

Ensure your windows and mirrors are clear before you set out. Use a screen scraper and de-icer, but avoid using hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.

Bear in mind that stopping distances are longer in snow and icy conditions. Slow down, use all controls delicately and maintain extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.

Avoid over steering, harsh braking and harsh acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to prevent wheel spin and select a low gear when travelling downhill, especially through bends.

Drivers of high-sided vehicles like trucks and buses are particularly at risk from the dangers posed by snow and the high winds associated with heavy snow conditions.

In snowy conditions, visibility will be reduced. Avoid driving on the tail-lights of the vehicle in front, called target fixing, as this can give a false sense of security and you will be too close to brake safely.

Use dipped headlights at all times, and fog lights in heavy snow to ensure other motorists can see you (but remember to turn them off afterwards).

Be mindful of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, and allow extra space.

Ensure your tyres are in good condition and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Make sure they're inflated to the correct tyre pressure.

Get to know any safety assist technology such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) in your car.

Advice for pedestrians includes:

Every winter, accidents caused by slips and falls result in serious injuries. Even when surfaces don't appear particularly icy or slippery, there's a chance that a thin layer of transparent ice, or "Black Ice," could be covering your path, posing a risk.

It's crucial to wear suitable footwear and walk on the pavement, not the road. If there are no pavements, walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.

Never underestimate the danger of snow and ice. Many slips and falls occur in places people consider safe and secure, such as outside their front door, on the doorstep, on the path, or while getting out of the car.

Always exercise extreme caution when approaching a footpath or roadway that appears to be covered with snow or ice.

When walking on pavements and in public places, or getting in and out of your car or truck, never underestimate the dangers of frost and ice. Stay safe and visible.

Visibility and light levels decrease in poor weather conditions, so ensure you can be seen by wearing bright clothing and considering high-visibility material.

Cyclists and motorcyclists are advised not to compromise their safety by travelling in snowy conditions.

Visibility is reduced in such conditions, so cyclists should wear a Sam Browne Bandoleer belt or high-visibility vest and ensure their bike lights are working correctly.

Stay safe and be seen. With visibility and light reduced in poor weather conditions, it's crucial to ensure you're visible.

Don bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material. More safety tips for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists navigating snowy conditions can be found here.