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03rd Mar 2019

Warnings issued for motorists as snow causes challenging driving conditions 

Dave Hanratty

snow

Stay safe out there.

On Sunday morning (3 March), Met Éireann issued a status yellow warning regarding imminent snow-ice conditions.

As of late Sunday afternoon, heavy snow has begun to fall in many areas across Ireland.

Met Éireann’s original warning has been updated, and is currently valid until Monday morning at 8am.

Further falls of sleet and snow are expected on Sunday night, leading to further accumulations and slippery roads.

Those conditions should clear overnight according to Met Éireann, but it will turn icy more widely overnight.

With snow falling on roads, both An Garda Síochána and AA Roadwatch have warned motorists to take extra caution while driving.

Gardaí have highlighted that driving conditions are poor in the midlands on the M4, M7 and M8 with emergency services clearing a collision on the M8 between Junction 3 and 4 Northbound.

Motorists are asked to exercise caution and reduce speed and advised to remember:

  • It takes longer to stop a vehicle in snow or on icy roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front
  •  Keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users
  • Keep your windows clear of snow during your journey
  • Manoeuvre gently; avoid harsh braking, acceleration or steering as these can induce a skid
  • Use the highest gear possible to reduce the engine revs as this will help avoid wheel spin
  • When travelling downhill, especially through a series of bends, select a low gear as early as possible and allow your speed to reduce using the brake pedal gently

AA Roadwatch, meanwhile, has reported numerous collisions and delays across the country.

“Snowfall has affected routes around Tipperary, Kilkenny, Offaly, Laois, Kildare, Westmeath and Meath this evening,” they note.

“Gardaí advise people to avoid travelling on routes in these areas due to treacherous conditions and multiple incidents.”

Furthermore, they advise people to slow down on wet roads and to allow plenty of extra room between their vehicle and the one travelling in front.

For live updates on delays, visit the AA Roadwatch Twitter account.

For more advise, see www.winterready.ie

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