Planning a journey in winter
Do you really have to travel by car? You could:
• Consider delaying your trip until the weather and road conditions improve
• Use public transport where available
If you really have to travel by road, be prepared for severe conditions
•
Ensure your vehicle has a more than adequate supply of fuel for the journey. If possible keep your fuel tank
full in winter.
• Check your emergency equipment.
• Allow extra time and drive with caution. Let someone know your route and when you expect to arrive.
• Check to see if there are any problems on your intended route before you leave. Information is avail-
able from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, website www.tiitraffic.ie and you can follow them on
Twitter @TIITraffic.
•
You could also check the AA Roadwatch website www.aaroadwatch.ie or follow them on
Twitter @aaroadwatch. Listen to TV or radio bulletins and check the weather forecast. Remember that the
best road conditions are likely to occur between 10am and 4pm.
•
If you do not know your route, and are using SatNav/GPS, be sure it does not bring you over a dangerous
route, such as across mountainous terrain or along narrow back-roads, which may be hazardous due to
snow and ice. e.g. Sally Gap, Co Wicklow or Barnesmore Gap, Co Donegal. Do not rely totally on a SatNav/
GPS, look at your route on a map.
•
More detailed advice on using the roads in Severe Weather can be found on the Road Safety Authority
website www.rsa.ie/Road-Safety/
Driving in hazardous conditions
Remember the following serious hazards:
•
Snow and ice will always be worse in mountainous areas and higher ground – try to route around such
places. There is information about road conditions and road temperatures on www.tiitraffic.ie/weather/
•
Beware of high sided vehicles in strong winds, particularly when overtaking. If you are driving a high sided
vehicle try to anticipate exposed sections of roadway where winds will be stronger
• Beware of fallen trees or other debris
• Leaving your vehicle is dangerous, wear a high visibility jacket and use your hazard lights to enable other
traffic to avoid collision with your vehicle. However, on a motorway, it is safer to get out of your car and
stand behind the safety barrier. Call for assistance immediately.
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