THE RSA is asking road users to exercise caution as Met Éireann has issued a weather warning for high temperatures for the coming week.
The Yellow High Temperature Warning for Ireland runs from 12:00 on Tuesday to 9am on Friday, with temperatures exceeding 25 degrees, and possibly reaching as high as 32 degrees on Thursday in Clare.
The warm conditions and high temperatures can present a number of challenges for the increased traffic on the roads, especially in Clare as people head for tourist areas such as Lahinch and Kilkee. The RSA has advised motorists to wear sunglasses in order to reduce glare and be aware of the dangers of sun glare when travelling east in the mornings and west later in the day.
The organisation has reminded drivers to make sure to bring water on long journeys and is reminding road users that the elderly, children and pets are those most at risk from dehydration. Drivers are advised to keep windscreens clear of grease or grime inside and out and to make sure they have plenty of window washer fluid to clear flies/insects and excess dust from the road when driving.
The RSA has advised pedestrians and people using e-scooters to be aware of the dangers that sun glare can cause, especially when crossing the road and at junctions and to follow current health messaging around the use of sun block when out walking and cycling.
Commenting on the risks associated with the current fine weather, the RSA stated “Summertime is the most dangerous time of the year on our roads. In the summer, when there are no obvious dangers, and the weather is fine and days are brighter, we drop our guard”.
“There can be a spike in pedestrian, people who cycle and motorcyclist casualties over the summer months as the fine weather brings more people on to the roads. Drivers need to be on the lookout for them. Slow down and expect the unexpected”.
For advice on severe weather driving tips, please see severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.
