The RSA issue a Road Safety Weather Alert

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising road users to take particular care on the roads as Met Éireann is warning of strong winds and coastal flooding, particularly on Atlantic coats for Monday 28th January, 2013.

Met Éireann is warning that in Atlantic coastal counties, south to southwest winds, will reach mean speeds of 60 – 75 km/hr with gusts of 90 to 120 km/hr. Winds will be strongest along the west coast. Elsewhere, West to southwest winds will reach mean speeds of 45 to 60 km/hr with gusts of 70 to 90 km/hr.

A combination of high tides, storm surge and winds may result in a risk of localised flooding.

The RSA has issued the following advice: When driving in wet and windy 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.
• Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road
• Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds
• 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
• Drive with dipped headlights at all times
• Be aware of the danger of aquaplaning especially on roads with 100 km/h and 120 km/h roads.
• Check tyres and consider replacing them if the thread depth is below 3mm

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.
• Sometimes roads can be closed due to their fragile state after wet weather or because they are blocked by flooding. 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 seen. Wear a high visibility jacket or reflective armband
• Take extra care when near traffic or crossing the road in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Road users are advised to check local and National weather forecasts before setting out on a journey. To check weather updates visit Met Eireann’s website www.met.ie .