RSA urging road users to exercise caution over the weekend due to storm
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road users to exercise caution while using the roads over the weekend as Met Éireann has issued Status Orange and Yellow weather warnings for strong winds.
Met Éireann has issued two orange wind warnings ahead of Storm Aiden, which is set to hit the country this Halloween (tomorrow, Saturday, October 31).
Both alerts were issued by the national meteorological office at 10:00am this morning (Friday, October 30).
The first orange warning will come into effect at 5:00am tomorrow morning and remain in place until 10:00am.
Also Read: Status Orange wind warnings issued ahead of Storm Aiden
Drivers are being warned that on top of recent heavy rainfall and severe winds, this storm has the potential to make road conditions “even more hazardous” and to exercise caution when using the roads over the next few days.
Road users in areas affected by the orange warnings for strong winds are advised to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey.
The following advice is given to road users on foot of the weather warnings:
- Drivers need to slow down and leave a bigger space between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions. This is especially important on high speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning;
- 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. They may also have trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible;
- Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic;
- After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes;
- Drive with dipped headlights at all times;
- Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds;
- Beware of objects being blown onto the road. Expect road conditions to change quickly in high winds so reduce your speed;
- Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road;
- Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.
Advice has also been issued for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists; who are urged to keep safe by making sure they can be seen, by wearing bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
They are also advised to take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow someone into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
