Driving in adverse weather conditions

Safe driving advice for adverse weather conditions

Heavy Rain / Flooded Roads

For Drivers:

Slow down and allow a greater braking distance between you 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.
Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they can generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility, hold back to where you can see their mirrors.
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. The verge may have subsided and there may also be 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 that have been put there by the local council or An Garda Síochána.
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. When there is heavy rainfall, the day tends to be darker. This reduces your visibility as well as the visibility of other road users. Driving with dipped headlights will help other road users spot you more easily in these conditions.

For Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorcyclists:

Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Motorcyclists can keep safe by making sure they can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.
Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
Cyclists should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back) and by wearing clothes that help you be seen on your bike, consider wearing high visibility material.

Hail Showers

For Drivers and motorcyclists:

Drivers need to be alert and aware of the potential danger posed by hailstones. It can be like driving over marbles.
If you encounter hailstones, reduce your speed without using your brakes, if possible. Warn other drivers by using your hazard warning lights.
Driving slowly in a high gear will help your tyres maintain grip even as you move over the compacted pellets of ice.
Accelerate and brake very gently and drive slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely. Avoid sudden steering movements or hard braking.
Keep an eye out for road markings that may become obscured and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front.
Drivers are also advised to make sure their tyres are fit for purpose i.e., that they are not below the legal minimum tread depth (1.6mm) and that they are inflated to the correct pressure, so they can cope better with such challenging driving conditions.
Checking forecasts and listening to travel bulletins before and during your journey will alert you of any possible hail showers.

For Pedestrians and cyclists:

Pedestrians and cyclist should be aware the risk that hailstones can pose. It can be like walking or cycling on marbles.

Snow, Ice, and Black Ice

For Drivers:

Clear windows and mirrors before you set out, use a screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.
Remove all snow from your vehicle before commencing your journey. Snow left on the roof will become loose and can drop onto the windscreen during braking, thereby causing sudden and severe restriction to your vision. It can also fall off during your drive and cause injury to pedestrians or a reflex action by another driver.
In snow and icy conditions, slow down. Use all controls delicately and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Avoid over steering and harsh braking and harsh acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
In snow or sleet conditions, visibility will be reduced. Do not drive on the taillights of the vehicle in front. This can give a false sense of security and you will be too close to be able to brake safely. In heavy snow, use your fog lights, turn off your radio and open your window, so you can hear other traffic, especially at junctions.
Always use dipped headlights in heavy snow to ensure you are seen by other motorists.
Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and allow extra space when overtaking them.
Drivers of high sided vehicles like trucks and buses are particularly at risk from both the dangers posed by ice and snow but also from the high winds that often accompany snowfall.

For Pedestrians and cyclists:

Wear high visibility clothing or carry a torch as visibility is reduced in snowy conditions. Wear clothing that does not restrict your vision.
Wear appropriate footwear. Walk on the footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
Cyclists should consider if the journey is necessary or if it could be postponed
DO NOT underestimate the danger of ice. Many slips and falls happen in places people regard as safe and secure, typically outside their front door, on the doorstep, on the path or while getting out of the car. When you approach a footpath or roadway that appears to be covered with snow or ice, always use extreme caution.

For Cyclists / Motorcyclists:

Motorcyclists / Cyclists should not compromise their safety by their need to travel in icy/snow conditions
Visibility is reduced in snowy conditions so cyclists should wear a Sam Browne Bandoleer belt or high visibility vest and ensure the lights on your bike are working correctly.
Motorcyclists should avoid wearing a dark visor in any bad light conditions.
Remember other road users may not ‘expect’ you and could therefore comprise your safety.

Fog

For Motorists:

Dense fog seriously reduces your visibility and makes driving very dangerous. Switch on dipped headlights and fog lamps, reduce your speed and allow an extra safe distance from you and the vehicle in front.
If the fog closes in, reduce your speed further and take your time getting to your destination.
Listen to weather forecasts and general advice about driving conditions and if you must drive in fog, allow plenty of extra time for your journey. Before setting out, check that your car is in good working order, particularly that all the lights, including fog lights, work properly and are clean
The RSA is also advising vulnerable road-users such as pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists to ensure.
As you enter fog, check your mirrors and slow down. Use your foot brake lightly so that your lights warn following drivers.
Do not drive on the tail-lights of the vehicle in front (Target Fixing). This can give a false sense of security and you will be too close to be able to brake safely.
Beware of other drivers who are not using their headlights.
Switch off distracting noise and open the window slightly so that you can listen for other traffic, especially at crossr3oads and junctions
Carry a mobile phone, high visibility jacket and torch in the event of a breakdown or collision. In the event of a breakdown park the vehicle well in off the road, get out and stand well back from the side of the road. Phone the emergency services and do not attempt to stand or walk on the road.
Beware of speeding up as soon as visibility improves slightly. In patchy fog you could find yourself “driving blind” again only moments later
Remember to switch off your fog lights when visibility improves.

For Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorcyclists:

Always ensure you are clearly visible to other road-users by wearing high visibility clothing and using lights
Pedestrians and cyclists should avoid wearing ear phones if using the roads during fog so they can heard any approaching vehicles

Strong Winds

For Motorists:

Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds, especially on exposed routes such as dual carriageways and motorways. 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.

For Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorcyclists:

Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
Take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Walk on a footpath, where possible and not in the street. If there is a footpath and it is safe to use, look out for falling debris from above, especially in urban areas.
Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
Cyclists should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back) and by wearing clothes that help you be seen on your bike such as bright and light reflective items.

For the Festive Season

Always plan your way home before a night out. Never ever drive under the influence of drink or drugs. We wish everyone a safe and happy Festive Season.

For advice on severe weather driving tips, please see severe weather advice on rsa.ie, or check out our Facebook and Twitter pages. You can also check out our YouTube videos on severe weather with Teresa Mannion here.