Don’t forget your sunglasses, among other things.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has issued a warning to people planning on using the roads this weekend as temperatures set to reach major highs.
The warning arrives in response to Met Éireann’s issuing of a rare high temperature advisory, with mercury possibly set to exceed 30 degrees in some locations in the coming days.
The RSA is advising drivers over the dangers of “sun glare”, which can leave road users temporary dazzled or blinded by the sun.
Here’s the authority’s advice to road users for dealing with the upcoming sunny weather;
- Reduce the risk from sun glare and of being dazzled by wearing sunglasses. Be aware of the dangers of sun glare when travelling east in the mornings and west later in the day.
- Be prepared and ensure you have adequate supplies of water, any delays to journeys could result in road users being stuck in traffic for a period time in hot conditions. Children and pets are particularly at risk during these hot spells of weather.
- Ensure your windscreen is clear of grease or grime inside and out. Make sure you have plenty of window washer fluid to clear flies/insects and excess dust from the road when driving.
- Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorcyclists. Slow down and allow extra space when passing.
Road temperatures are set to rise significantly in the hot weather, with surface dressed roads (“tar and chips”) prone to softening.
Road users are advised to slow down and exercise caution when braking on those roads.
Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are also being advised of the dangers of sun glare, especially while crossing the road and at junctions.
For further advice on severe weather driving tips, you can check out the severe weather advice section on the RSA website or follow the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.
To keep up to date with any weather updates, you can check out Met Éireann’s latest forecasts here.
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