MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED to take care on the roads over the coming days as sleet and snow can mean danger when travelling.

The Road Safety Authority is appealing to road users to take extra care on the roads following reports of snow showers overnight and tomorrow. With Met Éireann forecasting temperatures to fall as low as -3 degrees in places, the RSA has released its advice on how to stay safe on Ireland’s roads.

Met Éireann has said that Ireland can expect showery rain or sleet in parts of Munster and south Leinster today, which will clear southwards towards the evening.

Tomorrow will see occasional wintry showers of sleet or snow affecting parts of Ulster and north Leinster.

The RSA has issued the following advice to road users:

Drivers

• If driving in snow, manoeuvre gently, slow down and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Too much steering is bad and avoid harsh braking and acceleration.
• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
• Falling snow, fog, rain, or hail will reduce visibility. Do not hang on to the tail lights of the vehicle in front of you as it can give a false sense of security.
• Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and allow extra space.
• Watch out for ‘black ice’ – if the road looks polished or glossy it could be black ice.
• When driving in snow and fog do so with extreme caution, at low speed and with your fog lights turned on.

Pedestrians and cyclists

• Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
• Take extra care when near traffic or crossing the road in extremely windy conditions as sudden gusts can blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
• While walking on footpaths and in public places, or entering and exiting your car or truck, do not underestimate the danger of ice.
• Many slips and falls happen in places people regard as safe and secure. When you approach a footpath or roadway that appears to be covered with ice, always use extreme caution.
• If walking or cycling in fog, make sure you are clearly visible by carrying a torch and wearing reflective clothing. Stay well in off the road where there is no footpath when vehicles are approaching.

The RSA’s website also has more severe weather advice for road users. It has also released a video about cyclist awareness:

Read: No let-up: More cold weather forecast for the week ahead>