RSA appeals to road users to exercise caution during yellow weather warning

*Photograph: Páraic McMahon

A Yellow weather warning for heavy rain and thunderstorms issued by Met Éireann has prompted the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to appeal to road users to exercise caution on Clare roads today (Monday).

Counties including Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, and Westmeath are under a yellow thunderstorm warning from 12pm to 9pm today.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop through the afternoon and evening with heavy downpours and a risk of localised flooding.

The RSA has issued the following advice for road users –

When driving in wet conditions, drivers are reminded that;

• It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front
• Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility
• Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may need to avoid area on the road
• Be aware of the danger of aquaplaning especially on roads with speed limits of 100 km/h and 120 km/h
• Check tyres and consider replacing them if the thread depth is below 3mm.
• Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility to ensure you are seen by other motorists
• With added risks posed by wet or flooded roads the RSA has the following advice;
• 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
• 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

Advice to Pedestrians & Cyclists;

• Be Safe, Be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
• Walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
• If cyclists need to move out to avoid a flooded area on the road please signal to oncoming traffic before you do so