Drivers have been told not to make unnecessary journeys after an Orange snow and ice warning was issued for most of the country.
Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Connacht, Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath are currently under an Orange snow-ice warning, while an Orange warning for Leinster will kick in at midnight.
The Road Safety Authority has warned road users to avoid making unnecessary trips in affected areas while Orange warnings are in operation. If driving in such conditions is unavoidable, drivers are urged to be prepared.
Read more: First Dublin school closed this morning due to 'very heavy snow'
They said: "The golden rule is drive with care and caution – expect the unexpected. Road users are advised to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey and heed any public messages issued by An Garda Síochána and the Local Authorities."
The RSA issued the following advice for road users in snowy conditions:
- Remove all snow from your vehicle before commencing your journey. Snow left on the roof will become loose and can drop onto the windscreen during braking, thereby causing sudden and severe restriction to your vision. It can also fall off during your drive and cause injury to pedestrians or a reflex action by another driver.
- Clear windows and mirrors before you set out, use a screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.
- In snowy conditions slow down, use all controls delicately and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Avoid over steering and harsh braking and harsh acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
- In snowy conditions, visibility will be reduced. Do not drive on the tail-lights of the vehicle in front (Target Fixing). This can give a false sense of security and you will be too close to be able to brake safely. In heavy snow, use your fog lights, turn off your radio and open your window a fraction, so you can hear other traffic, especially at junctions.
- Use dipped headlights at all times, and fog lights in heavy snow to ensure you are seen by other motorists (but don’t forget to turn them off afterwards).
- Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and allow extra space.
- Drivers of high sided vehicles like trucks and buses are particularly at risk from both the dangers posed by snow but also from the high winds associated with heavy snow conditions.
Pedestrians have been urged to wear high visibility clothing and appropriate footwear, walk on the footpath and not to underestimate the danger of snow and ice.
The RSA has urged motorcyclists/cyclists not to "compromise their safety by their ‘need’ to travel in snowy conditions". They said cyclists should wear a Sam Browne Bandoleer belt or high visibility vest and ensure the lights on your bike are working correctly, while motorcyclists should avoid wearing a dark visor in any bad light conditions.
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