Be safe on the roads…
On Friday morning, Met Éireann issued three separate status yellow rain warnings covering a large part of Ireland.
The warnings are valid from 6pm on Friday until Saturday with the last of the warnings expiring at 6pm on Saturday.
On the back of this, the Road Safety Authority has issued a warning to road users and urged them to exercise caution while using the roads on Friday and for much of Saturday.
Road users are also reminded to check the local and national forecasts before embarking on their journeys.
When driving in wet conditions, drivers are reminded that;
- It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front
- Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility
- Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists
- Be aware of the danger of aquaplaning especially on roads with speed limits of 100 km/h and 120 km/h
- Check tyres and consider replacing them if the thread depth is below 3mm.
- Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility to ensure you are seen by other motorists
With added risks posed by wet or flooded roads the RSA has the following advice;
- 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
- Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic
- Watch out for washed out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and fallen or falling objects
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