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A message from the RSA:

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is again advising all road users to prepare for further cold weather conditions as Met Eireann has updated the weather warnings for Snow/Ice andSnow/Rain to Orange in some counties. This will lead to hazardous road conditions and reduced visibility. There are also Yellow Snow/Ice warnings and low temperature/ice warnings.

There is an Orange Snow/Ice warning for Clare, Limerick and Tipperary from 00:00 to 12:00 Thursday wheresignificant snowfall accumulations expected.. There is also an Orange Snow/Rain warning for Cork and Waterford from 00:00 to 12:00 Thursdaywhere heavy rain will transition to sleet and snow.

For the Orange Warnings there are significant snowfall accumulations expected, which will lead to very difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility. There may be travel disruption and disruption and delays to public transport likely (air, rail, bus). Also, this will lead to difficult conditions underfoot and flooding is possible.

There is a Yellow Snow/Ice warning for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wexford, Wicklow, Munster, Galway from 9pm Wednesday to 12:00 Thursday. Snowfall accumulations are expected. There may be hazardous travelling conditions, poor visibility, and travel disruption.

There is a low temperature/ice warning for Ireland from 8pm Wednesday to 10am Thursday where it will be very cold with widespread frost and icy stretches. This could lead to hazardous conditions on roads and paths and some travel disruption.

Road users are being advised to avoid making unnecessary trips in affected areas while Orange warnings are in operation. If driving in such conditions is unavoidable, be prepared. The golden rule is drive with care and caution – expect the unexpected. Road users are advised to check local traffic and weather conditions before setting out on a journey and heed any public messages issued by An Garda Síochána and the Local Authorities.

Drivers are advised:

• Remove all snow and Ice 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.
• 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.
• Remember it takes longer to stop in and 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.
• Drivers of high sided vehicles like trucks and buses are particularly at risk from both the dangers posed by snow but also from the high winds associated with heavy snow conditions.
• In snowy conditions, visibility will be reduced. 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.
• Use dipped headlights at all times, and fog lights in heavy snow to ensure you are seen by other motorists (but don’t forget to turn them off afterwards).
• 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.
• Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, people who cycle and ride motorcycles and allow extra space.
• Check tyres and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Check they’re inflated to the correct tyre pressure.
• Familiarise yourself with any safety assist technology like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) in your vehicle.

For a copy of the RSA’s ‘Top 10 tips for driving in snowy conditions click here.

Pedestrians are advised:

• Each winter, slips and fall accidents cause serious injuries. Even when surfaces do not look especially icy or slippery, it is very possible that a thin sheet of transparent ice or “Black Ice” is covering your pathway putting you at risk.
• 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.
• DO NOT underestimate the danger of snow and ice. Many slips and falls happen in places people regard as safe and secure, typically outside their front door, on the door step, 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.
• While walking on footpaths and in public places, or entering and exiting your car or truck, DO NOT underestimate the dangers of frost and ice.
• Be Safe. Be Seen. Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.

For a copy of the RSA’s ‘Top 10 tips to avoid a fall or slip in snowy conditions click here.

People who cycle and ride motorcycles are advised:

·      You should not compromise your safety by travelling in snowy 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.

·      Be Safe. Be Seen. Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.

More safety tips for pedestrians, people who cycle and ride motorcycles whileusing the roads in snowy conditions can be found here.

For advice on severe weather driving tips and weather updates, please see severe weather advice on or check out the RSAFacebook and Twitter pages.

See advice on driving in our series ofSevere Weather Warning videos created in collaboration with Teresa Mannion.

For more weather updates visit Met Eireann’s website here