Road Safety Alert ”“Strong Gale and Rainfall

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is today, Tuesday 14^th August, advising all road users to take extra care using the roads, as a combination of high winds, heavy rainfall, abnormally low pressure and high tides will cause dangerous conditions in south Munster and east Leinster during Wednesday 15^th August. It is reported that Gale to strong gale force easterly winds, will veer south-easterly to southerly. There will also be frequent spells of rain between 30 to 50 mm generally, with higher totals possible in mountainous area which, will result in a high risk of coastal and river flooding.

Mr Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority cautioned that after the recent dry weather, the roads will be particularly hazardous, “after prolonged periods of dry weather there tends to be a build-up of oil and rubber deposit on the road. When this deposit mixes with rainwater it increases the risk of a skid and increases your stopping distance. Our advice is to slow down and keep a safe distance (at least 4 seconds) behind the vehicle in front of you to allow for poor surface conditions.”

The poor weather will create potentially hazardous conditions for road users. As such the RSA is advising drivers that;

• Take special care when driving behind trucks or buses as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility,
• Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
• It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, 4 seconds at a minimum (use the 2 second rule and repeat it twice).
• Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility not parking/side lights and fog lights
• Check tyres and replace them if the tread depth is below 3mm.
• Be mindful of Aquaplaning on roads where 100/120kmh speeds apply. Aquaplaning occurs where the tyre tread fill with water and the driver is at risk of losing control of the vehicle.
• Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
• Pedestrians should walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.

The RSA also has the following advice for driving in flooded conditions

• 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.
• Sometimes roads can be closed due to their fragile state after wet weather or because they are blocked by flooding.
• 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.

Further advice on using the road in title="blocked::http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/Severe-Weather-Advice/" href="http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/Severe-Weather-Advice/">severe weather can be found at the RSA’s website;