Road safety

There are some things you can check yourself:

• Lights - Make sure all your indicators and headlamps are clean and working.
• Liquids - Make sure the water reservoir is up to the maximum mark and correctly mixed with anti-freeze. You may also need to top up your coolant and screen wash.
• Oil - Check your dipstick and top up the oil if necessary. Look for signs of leakages on the ground under the car.
• Electrics - Check your dashboard before and after starting the engine. Listen for a weak battery and replace, if necessary.
• Windscreen wipers - You should clean them regularly and replace them every 12 months.
• Safety - Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual and find out if it has any safety assist technology, for example, Advanced Braking System (ABS)
• Tyres - Check tyres, including spare wheel, and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Check your tyres are inflated to the correct tyre pressure. Replace tyres if necessary.

• High-visibility vest.
• A hazard warning triangle.
• A torch with charged batteries and check it monthly.
• Always carry spare fuses and bulbs for your vehicle’s lights and electrics.
• De-icing equipment such as an ice-scraper or de-icing spray for windscreen and locks.
• First aid kit.
• A map or charged GPS.
• Appropriate clothing and footwear in case you have to leave your vehicle.
• Have a charged mobile phone so you can call for help or locate the Eircode for your location.
• Some drink and food supplies to sustain yourself and passengers.

Where possible, consider using public transport which will operate when safe to do so during severe weather conditions.

If you have to travel by car, you should consider delaying your trip until the weather and road conditions improve.

If travel by road is unavoidable, plan ahead and be prepared for challenging conditions.

• Before setting off, ensure your vehicle is in good working order and has adequate fuel for the journey. In winter, it is advisable to keep your fuel tank as full as possible.
• Check you have essential emergency items before you leave like warm clothing and a charged mobile phone.
• Allow extra time and drive with caution.
• Let someone know your planned route and expected arrival time.
• Check if there are any problems on your intended route before you leave on the Transport Infrastructure Ireland's website and follow them on social media.
• Check An Garda Síochána's website and their social media.
• Check the weather forecast at the Met Éireann's website and pay attention to weather warnings.
• Listen to local radio for updated bulletins from your local authority.
• The best road conditions are likely to occur between 10am and 4pm.
• If you do not know your route and are using a GPS, be sure it does not pre-select a dangerous route which brings you across mountainous terrain or along narrow back-roads, which may be hazardous due to snow and ice.
• Follow guidance from the Road Safety Authority.

• Drivers should ensure to slow down in all severe weather conditions.
• Information about road conditions, Incidents and other Traffic related information is available on the Transport Infrastruture Ireland website.
• If your business operates company- owned vehicles, or you drive as part of your job, please see Driving for Work advice.

Remember the following serious hazards:

• In strong winds, beware of fallen trees or other debris and high sided vehicles, particularly when overtaking. If you are driving a high sided vehicle, try to anticipate exposed sections of roadway where winds will be stronger.
• If you encounter fog while driving, turn on your fog lights but remember to turn them off once the fog clears.
• Sun glare can dazzle drivers. To minimise risk, reduce your speed and clean your windscreen inside and out and keep a set of sun-glasses in your vehicle.
• Never drive through flooded roads. The water could be deeper than you think. Find an alternative route.
• Snow and ice will always be worse in mountainous areas and higher ground so try to reroute around such places.
• Fully remove snow and ice from the roof of your vehicle before you depart.
• Always heed road signs advising of a road closure or detour.
• Leaving your vehicle is dangerous, wear a high visibility jacket and use your hazard lights to enable other traffic to avoid collision with your vehicle.
• Never stop on a motorway, only in the case of an emergency. If you have no alternative it is safer to get out of your car and stand behind the safety barrier. Call for assistance immediately.

While ice and snow pose significant hazards, hail is a major additional hazard:

• Be aware of Met Eireann forecasts as they will put particular emphasis on the possibility of hail events in various areas, but exact locations cannot be predicted.
• Be aware that hail events can occur at any location - even outside of winter months.
• Be conscious of dark clouds ahead in daylight hours and be mindful of the first onset of hailstones striking windscreen.
• If you do encounter hail, immediately begin to slow your speed - but gradually - and try not to brake.
• Remember even if the road is salted, hail will stay on the road causing loss of contact between tyres and road surface leading to skidding.