THE CHANGE IN weather could bring it with danger on the roads, the Road Safety Authority has said.

The RSA is advising all road users, and especially drivers, to exercise caution on roads as rainfall this week will bring to an end a long dry spell, which it said “poses added dangers to road users”.

According to Met Éireann, scattered rain showers are set to become widespread as the week progresses. They could even turn heavy and possibly thundery at times.

Noel Brett, CEO of the RSA explained how this makes the road dangerous:

Roads are at their most slippery when the weather breaks after a long dry spell. This is because the fine grit on roads tends to polish the road surface and roads also see the build up of a film of tar, rubber and oil deposit. The sudden change in driving conditions can also catch drivers off guard.

He added that the expected rainfall and the condition of roads “will make driving particularly hazardous as road surfaces become slippery, reducing skid resistance”.

Drivers are being advised to:

• Slow down. Drive at an appropriate speed to the conditions.
• Don’t tailgate – Allow extra distance to the vehicle in front especially when driving behind heavy goods vehicles.
• Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility
• Check tyres to ensure minimum tread depth of 1.6mm and ensure correct tyre pressures.
• Drive with care and caution – expect the unexpected

Read: Warm weather likely to cool this week (sorry)>