Be prepared for driving this winter
Don’t get caught out this winter when severe weather strikes!
Driving conditions can often become treacherous once the temperature starts to drop below freezing as the risk of ice and snow on the roads increases.
It doesn’t matter how long your journey might be, you need to know the correct safety precautions to take when driving on winter roads.
Before you leave, always ask yourself is your journey necessary and check whether your vehicle is ready for winter.
Here are some tips to keep in mind to keep you safe on your journey wherever you may be going this winter.
Before heading on your journey you should:
top up with anti-freeze and screen wash
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
Always ensure your vehicle is winter ready with this winter car checklist from Road Safety Authority.
Know your route
As we approach the Christmas season, we will see increased traffic on our roads. Ensure you give yourself extra time to complete your journeys, take care and always plan your route in advance. If you are driving on a road you aren’t familiar with, have your directions ready before you leave the house.
Before you leave for your destination, inform family/friends of your planned route, estimated time of arrival and carry a mobile phone. Always drive with care and caution and expect the unexpected from other drivers and road users who may be nervous or unfamiliar with driving in wintery conditions.
Don’t get caught out this winter.
Be winter ready
When extreme weather strikes, always first ask yourself if making this journey by road is absolutely necessary. If not, perhaps consider delaying your trip until the weather and road conditions improve.
Always check the local and national weather forecasts for any weather advisories in place and the road conditions before setting out on your journey.
Learn more on getting your vehicle ready for winter and the essential winter car checklist.
Avoid driver fatigue
The lead up to Christmas and the holiday season can be tiring for everyone. Busy work schedules preparing for end of year, trying to find the perfect present, ensuring you have all the food for Christmas dinner and dealing with the extra hours of darkness at this time of the year can be difficult for most. However, there is no journey urgent enough for you to risk your safety and the safety of others. If you feel sleepy when driving, it is imperative that you pull over, drink a coffee and have a 15-minute rest.
According to the RSA, it is estimated that driver fatigue is a contributor factor in as many as one in five fatal crashes in Ireland every year Don’t take the risk this winter.
Pedestrians
Always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially in areas where you know they may be present, such as in urban areas and near parks or schools. Be aware that pedestrians may walk outside of footpaths to avoid ice or snow.
During rainy, snowy or icy weather, your visibility may decrease, making it difficult to see pedestrians. Make sure to turn on your lights so it’s easy for pedestrians to see you and to light the way, taking extra care to watch for pedestrians rushing out of the bad weather.
Cyclists
Always look out for cyclists at junctions. When turning left watch for cyclists on your near side. Give cyclists a wide berth when overtaking – at least 1.5m. Give cyclists extra space when it's windy, snowy or wet.
Fuel up!
No matter how long you think your journey will take, always ensure you have enough fuel. Over the holiday season, some service stations may not be open or may close earlier than normal, don’t leave yourself short on fuel.
Travelling with little backseat passengers
Keeping the kids entertained for short and long journeys can often be a challenge. Here are some ideas to keep them happy and ensure you can focus on the road
Christmas sing-a-long. Make sure you have that playlist ready of all the festive favourites!
Add their movies to iPads and laptops and let them travel into its magical world for the journey!
Books – nothing beats a children’s Christmas book so whether it be ‘how the grinch stole christmas’ or ‘Scrooge’ make sure that book is included on the car packing list.
Be Winter Ready
When extreme weather strikes, always first ask yourself if making this journey by road is absolutely necessary. If not, perhaps consider delaying your trip until the weather and road conditions improve.