ALERT: RSA issue warning for motorists in Tipperary and other status orange areas

With extreme low temperatures persisting and hazardous conditions such as frost, ice, fog and lying snow affecting roads nationwide, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is renewing its call for all road users to remain vigilant and exercise caution.

It comes as a Status Orange Low Temperature/Ice warning has been issued for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Cavan, Monaghan, Munster and Connacht from 8pm Tuesday to 10am Wednesday and a Status Orange Low Temperature/Ice warning for Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Munster and Connacht from 6pm Wednesday to 11am Thursday.

A Yellow Low Temperature/Ice warning is still in place for the whole of the country until 6am Friday with very cold with widespread frost, ice and lying snow. Some patches of freezing fog also.

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The following advice is being given to road users on foot of the weather warnings

Motorists - Before setting off:

• Remember your only contact with the road surface is your tyres so it’s vital that they are up to the task in icy and snowy conditions. Check tyres, including the spare wheel, and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Check that tyres are inflated to the correct tyre pressure.
• Be Safe, Be Seen, make sure your headlights and taillights are all in working order. Replace broken bulbs.
• Remove accumulations of snow and ice from the vehicle.
• Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and de-icer. Don’t use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.
• De-mist the inside of your windows thoroughly. Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of an anti-icing fluid.
• 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.
• 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.
• Be prepared for sun glare by having sunglasses within reach.
  People travelling long journeys are advised to check weather/ road conditions not just where you are starting from, but at your destination and along the route, as conditions may vary significantly.
• Ask yourself, is your journey essential?
• Allow extra time for your journey.

In prolonged icy or snowy driving conditions it is advisable to carry the following in the boot of the car:

• High Visibility Vest
• Tow rope
• Spare bulbs
• Spare fuel
• A shovel
• Appropriate footwear in case you have to leave your vehicle i.e. boots
• A hazard warning triangle
• Spare wheel (with tyre at correct pressure and tread). Some cars may have an inflation repair kit instead of a spare wheel. Make sure that you know how to use it.
• De-icing equipment (Both for glass and door locks)
• First aid kit (in good order)
• A working torch
• A car blanket, additional clothing, some food and water

When driving:

• Manoeuvre gently, slow down and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
• Use dipped headlights when visibility is reduced. Use your fog lights if visibility drops below 100 metres. Turn fog lights off when visibility improves.
• Avoid harsh braking, steering and acceleration.
• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
• Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends.
• When you slow down, use your brakes so that the brake lights will warn drivers behind you.
• Watch out for black ice especially in sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls.
• If in a slid Try not to panic or jam on brakes
• Steer gently into slide – if car is sliding to the right, steer to the right.
• A little steering will go a long way

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