Road safety

• If a journey cannot be avoided, pedestrians should be extremely careful as snow and ice can make walking on footpaths very dangerous.
• Wear sturdy footwear with good gripping soles.
• Take an extra look before you cross the road and do not attempt to cross the road if there are vehicles around – remember snow and ice increase the distance that cars need to stop.
• Visibility is reduced in snowy condition so wear high visibility clothing or carry a torch.

• Motorcyclists and cyclists should consider their safety before using their motorcycles / bicycles in icy/snow conditions.
• Controlling two wheeled vehicles in snow or icy conditions is extremely difficult and there is an increased danger of a collision with a vehicle that is out of control.
• Consider taking alternative transport or walking.

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 Assist - Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual and find out if it has any safety assist technology e.g. 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 - check it monthly.
• Always carry spare fuses and bulbs (for your vehicles 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 GPS (charged).
• Appropriate clothing and footwear in case you have to leave your vehicle.
• Charged mobile phone
• Eircode location
• Multi-tool or basic toolkit
• Duct tape & plastic sheeting for sealing windows/doors in emergencies
• Extra cash (small bills)

During severe weather conditions drivers should:

• Remember to look out for vulnerable road users such as: Pedestrians, Cyclists, Motorcyclists, horse riders and those with reduced mobility.
• Slow down and give pedestrians and those who cycle more space when over-taking. They may need to avoid an obstacle in the road, may skid in ice and snowy conditions or may get blown off course depending on the weather conditions.

Advice to vulnerable road users in severe weather :

• Don’t take chances: During periods of severe weather consider postponing your journey.
• Be prepared: Carry a torch in snowy conditions and wear clothing that does not restrict your vision and wear appropriate footwear.
• Be Alert: Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
• Take Care: Be careful when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions and walk on a footpath, where possible and not in the street.
• If walking: be careful when crossing the road. Use pedestrian crossings where available. Use a footpath where one is available. If there is no footpath, walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic and do not walk in the street.
• If Cycling: People who cycle should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights. Take care in windy or icy conditions. Wear a helmet.
• If riding a motorcycle: You should make sure to wear protective equipment and high visibility clothing to make sure you can be seen. Slow down and ease off the throttle.

Do you really have to travel by car? You could:

• Consider delaying your trip until the weather and road conditions improve.
• Use public transport where available.

If you MUST travel by road, be prepared for severe conditions

• Ensure your vehicle has a more than adequate supply of fuel for the journey. If possible, keep your fuel tank full in winter.
• Check your vehicles emergency equipment before you leave.
• Allow extra time and drive with caution. Let someone know your route and when you expect to arrive.
• Check to see if there are any problems on your intended route before you leave. Information is available from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, website traffic.tii.ie and you can follow them on Twitter @TIITraffic.
• Check An Garda Síochána website www.garda.ie or on Twitter @GardaTraffic
• Check the weather forecast at www.met.ie and pay attention to weather warnings. Listen to Local radio for updated bulletins from your Local Authority. Remember that the best road conditions are likely to occur between 10am and 4pm.
• If you do not know your route and are using a SatNav/GPS map, 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. e.g. Sally Gap, Co Wicklow or Barnesmore Gap, Co Donegal. Do not rely totally on a SatNav/GPS, look at your route on a map.
• Follow the Advice from the
• Road Safety Authority (RSA) on www.rsa.ie. More detailed advice on using the roads in Severe Weather can be found on the Severe Weather Advice area of the RSA website

• 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 TII Traffic Website traffic.tii.ie.
• If your business operates company- owned vehicles, or you drive as part of your job, please see Driving for Work advice here: www.hsa.ie/eng/ vehicles_at_work/driving_for_work/.

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 try to reroute around such places. Fully remove snow and ice from the roof of your vehicle before you depart.
• Always heed Garda or local authority 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.