ALERT: Drivers warned one bad habit could lead to crash amid Met Éireann snow warnings

The Road Safety Authority has issued a safety alert for all motorists ahead of 'multi-hazardous' orange and yellow weather warnings around the country, including a warning over a bad habit that could land you in trouble on icy roads.

The RSA advice includes driving in a higher gear as it may reduce your risk of a crash as it can avoid wheel spin on icy roads. 

It is also advised by the RSA to drive in a lower gear while travelling downhill and especially through bends to avoid a spin.

Top Tips by RSA before setting off on your journey:

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 deicer. 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.

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.

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In prolonged icy or snowy driving conditions the RSA had advised 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

❄️ Cold weather alert for all road users! ❄️
Prepare for icy roads and challenging conditions this weekend.
Stay safe by checking out our tips and advice here: https://t.co/5dTavxrv19 #RoadSafety #WinterDriving #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/AtOGRCD7hc

— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) January 4, 2025

Pedestrians:

• If a journey cannot be avoided, be extremely careful as frost, ice and snow will make walking on footpaths very dangerous.
• Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
• Remember that footpaths may not be treated so walk with extreme care.
• Make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear, wear shoes or boots with appropriate traction.
• Avoid walking in the streets at all costs if possible. Remember, cars and trucks slip and slide, too! If it’s an emergency, and you can’t avoid the street, wear bright or reflective clothing.
• Ice can easily hide under a light dusting of snow. Just because you don’t see the ice doesn’t mean it’s not there
• It’s not a good idea to go jogging in snow or icy conditions.

• Ask yourself, is your journey essential?
• 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. 

Motorcyclists, E-scooters and people cycling:

• Don’t compromise your safety by your ‘need’ to travel in icy/snow conditions.
• Cancel your journey if it is not essential or take alternative transport.
• Be Safe, Be Seen, visibility is reduced in snowy conditions. For e-scooters and those cycling, wear a Sam Browne Bandoleer belt or high visibility vest and ensure the lights are working correctly – appropriate front and rear lights.
• Be Safe, Be Seen, motorcyclists, should wear an approved helmet and consider clear eye protection, make sure all lights are working and wear a high visibility vest.
• Motorcyclists should avoid wearing a dark visor in any bad light conditions.

For more road safety information visit: www.RSA.ie