The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extra care using the roads today (Friday 23 July) as the recent spell of dry weather breaks and rain is expected across parts of the country over the coming days.
During a prolonged dry spell, oil and rubber deposit builds up and develops on the road. When wet weather arrives, this deposit mixes with rainwater and the road surface becomes greasy and hazardous.
These unsafe conditions increase stopping distances and the chances of a skidding. Drivers and motorcycle riders can be taken off guard by with this sudden change in road conditions so the RSA are advising that you slow down and increase braking distance.
The RSA have also compiled a list of general safety measures for drivers in changing conditions:
- Slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, 4 seconds at a minimum (use the 2 second rule and repeat it twice).
- Take special care when driving behind trucks or buses as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility,
- Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
- Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility not parking/side lights and fog lights
- Check tyres and replace them if the thread depth is below 3mm.
- Be mindful of Aquaplaning on roads where 100/120kmh speeds apply. Aquaplaning occurs where the tyre thread fill with water and the driver is at risk of losing control of the vehicle.
- Drivers should slow and leave plenty of space when passing pedestrians and cyclists
Further advice on using the road in severe weather can be found on rsa.ie.