WITH extreme low temperatures and multi-hazardous conditions expected, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging all road users to be prepared, exercise caution and stay informed.
Martin Daly Autos has some helpful tips on how you can stay safe during these winter road conditions.
Motorists – Before setting off:
- Check your tyres: Remember your only contact with the road surface is your tyres so it’s vital that they are up to the task in icy and snowy conditions. Check tyres, including the spare wheel, and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Check that tyres are inflated to the correct tyre pressure.
Be Safe, Be Seen, make sure your headlights and taillights are all in working order. Replace broken bulbs. - Remove accumulations of snow and ice from the vehicle: Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and deicer. Don’t use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.
- De-mist the inside of your windows thoroughly: Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of an anti-icing fluid.
- Be prepared for sun glare: have sunglasses within reach.
When driving:
- Manoeuvre gently, slow down and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
- Use dipped headlights when visibility is reduced. Use your fog lights if visibility drops below 100 metres. lTurn fog lights off when visibility improves.
- Avoid harsh braking, steering and acceleration.
- Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
- Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
- When you slow down, use your brakes so that the brake lights will warn drivers behind you.
- Watch out for black ice especially in sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls.
Pedestrians:
If a journey cannot be avoided, be extremely careful as frost, ice and snow will make walking on footpaths very dangerous.
- Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
- Remember that footpaths may not be treated so walk with extreme care.
- Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear, wear shoes or boots with appropriate traction.
- Avoid walking in the streets at all costs if possible. Remember, cars and trucks slip and slide, too! If it’s an emergency, and you can’t avoid the street, wear bright or reflective clothing.
- Ice can easily hide under a light dusting of snow. Just because you don’t see the ice doesn’t mean it’s not there
- It’s not a good idea to go jogging in snow or icy conditions.
