Publication
Road Safety and Travelling Abroad – Be Winter Ready
From Department of Defence; Office of Emergency Planning
Published on
Last updated on
Please heed An Garda Síochána’s advice to the motoring public during snow and icy conditions. For further information, visit the Road Safety Authority website.
Is your journey absolutely necessary? Can you use public transport – during these severe weather conditions public transport routes will be prioritised. If you must use the car, before you begin your journey consider the following:
Put a hi-viz jacket, shovel, boots or wellingtons, extra clothing or a blanket and a flask in the boot of the car, in case you do get stuck or have to abandon the car. You should check your tyres – pressure, tread depth (minimum 1.6 millimetres) and condition.
Clear windscreen
Ensure all your windows are clean and free from snow and bring a scraper and de-icer with you. 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.
Check your lights and indicators as falling snow reduces visibility. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged. If your car has rear wheel drive the addition of extra weight in the boot, such as a bag of sand or cement, will help your wheels to grip.
Driving advice in icy conditions
It takes longer to stop a vehicle in snow or on icy roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. During your journey remember the following:
- keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users
- keep your windows clear of snow during your journey
- manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking, acceleration or steering as these can induce a skid
- use the highest gear possible to reduce the engine revs as this will help avoid wheel spin
When travelling downhill, especially through a series of bends, select a low gear as early as possible and allow your speed to reduce using the brake pedal gently.
If your vehicle begins to skid you should:
- identify the cause – it is either, too much braking, too much steering, too much acceleration or a combination of these
- Gently and smoothly stop causing the skid
If your car has ABS (most modern cars have) it will not skid under braking. If ABS is activated, keep your foot on the brake and steer around whatever caused you to brake.
If you car does not have ABS and starts to skid on the brakes, firstly take your foot off the brakes then re-apply the brakes gently – if the car continues to slide pump the brake pedal as fast as you can (cadence braking) and steer around whatever caused you to brake.
If under acceleration, braking or steering, your vehicle skids and slews sideways - turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the rear wheels are skidding (if rear wheels drifting left turn steering wheel to left) until car comes back in line while at the same time easing off the accelerator/brakes.
Avoid over correction with too much steering, be ready for a secondary skid in the opposite direction.
Reduced visibility
Heavy snowfall will reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and fog lights if fitted.
At low air temperatures watch out for black ice, especially in sheltered/shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls. Tune in to your local radio station regularly to keep up to date with information on weather/road conditions, road closures etc.
If a journey cannot be avoided, pedestrians should be extremely careful as snow and ice can make walking on footpaths very dangerous. Wear sturdy footwear with good gripping soles. Take an extra look before you cross the road and do not attempt to cross the road if there are vehicles around – remember snow and ice increase the distance that cars need to stop. Visibility is reduced in snowy condition so wear high visibility clothing or carry a torch.
Advice to motorcyclists and cyclists
Motorcyclists and cyclists should consider their safety before using their motorcycles / bicycles in icy/snow conditions. Controlling two wheeled vehicles in snow or icy conditions is extremely difficult and there is an increased danger of a collision with a vehicle that is out of control. Consider taking alternative transport or walking.
If you do have to travel during periods of severe or colder weather you should allow extra time for your journey and drive with caution.
While ice and snow pose significant hazards, Hail is a major additional hazard:
- Be aware of Met Eireann forecasts as they will put particular emphasis on the possibility of Hail Events in various areas but exact locations cannot be predicted
- Be aware that Hail events can occur at any location - even outside of winter months
- Be conscious of dark clouds ahead (daylight hours) and be mindful of the first onset of hailstones striking windscreen
- If you do encounter hail, immediately begin to slow your speed - but gradually - and try not to brake
- Remember even if the road is salted, hail will stay on the road causing loss of contact between tyres and road surface leading to skidding
In addition to the above when there are high winds and or heavy rain drivers should:
- slow down and increase the distance from the vehicle in front
- be alert to the possibility of flying debris
- do not drive at speed into floodwater – there may be a pothole or debris concealed in the water
If driving a high-sided vehicle be prepared, when approaching exposed sections of roadway, for the impact of the wind on the steering dynamics of the vehicle. Avoid overtaking manoeuvres on such exposed sections.
When passing motorcyclists, cyclists or pedestrians, be prepared for the possibility of the wind blowing them into your path. Before you drive through deep floodwater ascertain how deep the water is to ensure your vehicle can get through safely.
Slow down
Remember if you travel at speed into floodwater your vehicle may aquaplane leading to loss of control. Slow down when in the vicinity of pedestrians or cyclists - avoid spraying them.
In driving rain when visibility is poor drivers should use dipped headlights and keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians, cyclists etc.
In foggy conditions drivers should:
- slow down and increase the distance from the vehicle in front
- use dipped headlights and front and rear fog lights, if fitted
- remember to switch off fog lights when visibility improves
- keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists
If you have to stop for any reason use your hazard warning lights to warn other drivers. Do not blindly follow the vehicle in front – it may leave the road for whatever reason.
Advice from the Road Safety Authority
Take heed of these ‘safety tips’ for driving in snow and ice. Is Your Journey Absolutely Necessary? In extreme weather conditions you should ask yourself if making a journey by road is absolutely necessary. You might consider delaying your trip until the weather and road conditions improve. If using the roads in such conditions is unavoidable be prepared. The golden rule is to drive, cycle or walk with care and caution and expect the unexpected. Before setting off on a journey check to see if there are any problems on your intended route. Here are some useful links:
- visit the Department of Transport for updates
- tune in to your local radio station to get latest updates in your county
- check the weather at Met Eireann
- check the An Garda Síochána website for travel warnings
Is Your Vehicle Ready for winter? As the saying goes ‘Prevention is better than cure’, so take some time to prepare both your vehicle and yourself for the challenges of winter driving. Don't get caught out when severe weather strikes.
Your first step should be to get your vehicle serviced to ensure it is fit and safe for winter driving. Secondly you should carry out regular checks on the vehicle. You should:
- check for wear and tear on wiper blades and replace them as soon as they start to smear rather than clean windows
- keep tyre pressure at the manufacturer's recommended level and check you have at least 3 millimetres of tread depth
- make sure all vehicle lights are working and clean and top up with anti-freeze and screen wash
Be Seen to Be Safe! When out on the road, walking especially in rural areas high visibility reflective clothing and lights are the only way to stay safe. As children make the journey to school often in the dark, make sure your child can be seen.
Tyres
Get a grip. 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 spare wheel, and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm. Check your tyres are inflated to the correct tyre pressure. Drive slowly in the highest gear possible, manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking. Replace tyres if necessary.
Make sure you can see
Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass. Replace windshield wiper blades if necessary. De-mist the inside of your windows thoroughly. Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of an anti-icing fluid. The glare from the sun can be dazzling in the winter when the sun is low in the sky, so wear sunglasses in these conditions.
Check & use your lights . Use your dipped headlights so that others will see you. Make sure lights are clear of snow.
Driving
Gently does it. Manoeuvre gently, slow down and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Too much steering is bad and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends. Falling snow, fog, rain, or hail will reduces visibility. Do not hang on to the tail lights of the vehicle in front of you as it can give a false sense of security. When you slow down, use your brakes so that the brake lights warn drivers behind you.
Watch out for "black ice." If the road looks polished or glossy it could be, "black ice” one of winters worst hazards: Black Ice is difficult to see! It is nearly invisible.
Service your car
You should get your car serviced before winter sets in to make sure it is ready for the conditions which will undoubtedly arrive when least expected! There are some things you can do yourself:
- Lights - make sure all your indicators and headlamps are clean and working
- liquids - make sure the water reservoir is up to the maximum mark and correctly mixed with anti-freeze. You may also need to top up your coolant and screen wash
- Oil - check your dipstick and top up the oil if necessary. Look for signs of leakages on the ground under the car
- electrics - check your dashboard before and after starting the engine. Listen for a weak battery and replace if necessary
- Windscreen wipers - you should clean them regularly and replace them every 12 months
- Tyres - check your tyre treads and pressure, including the spare. While the minimum legal limit is 1.6mm, a minimum tread of 3mm is advised for winter driving
- Safety assist - Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual and find out if it has any safety assist technology such as ABS
Emergency equipment
Be prepared - Emergency equipment to have in your car:
- high Visibility Vest
- hazard warning triangle
- torch with batteries - check it monthly
- tow rope
- shovel
- jump Leads
- fuel Canister
- spare fuses and bulbs
- de-icing equipment (Both for glass and door locks)
You should also have a first aid kit and a map or GPS (charged) along with the following items:
- appropriate clothing and footwear in case you have to leave your vehicle
- charged mobile phone
- some simple supplies to sustain yourself (drink and food)
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.
Be careful with your route
Check to see if there are any problems on your intended route be-fore you leave. Information is available from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) website and you can follow them on Twitter @TIITraffic . You can register with TII to receive email alerts for a chosen journey, and there is also an TII app available to registered users.
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.
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 .
Beware of high sided vehicles in strong winds, particularly when over-taking. 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.
If you are planning a trip this winter visit the Department of Foreign Affairs' Travel Advice at dfa.ie/travelwise/ for country-specific information for almost 200 countries, including helpful top tips on local laws and customs, safety and security, and more.
