21 December 2010
Drivers urged to use public transport, drive in daylight and car pool to get home safely for Christmas
With parts of the country experiencing heavy snow fall and sub zero temperatures affecting all areas, the RSA, is today Tuesday 21st December 2010, urging drivers intending to travel home for Christmas to consider using public transport, driving in daylight and car pooling in order to get home safely.
Commenting ahead of the expected festive exodus, Mr. Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority said, “Where available, I would encourage people to use public transport to get home instead of driving, particularly in areas that have been badly affected by snow and ice. I would also suggest giving serious consideration to delaying your journey to avail of the hours of daylight and a possible improvement in conditions, even if that means setting out on your journey on Christmas Day. So stay tuned to weather and traffic bulletins for updates and make informed decisions on whether or not to travel.”
“I would also ask everyone to please be patient, it’s going to take much longer to reach our destinations because traffic volumes will be very heavy and vehicles will be travelling much slower because of the severe weather conditions. Your loved ones will want you to get home safely and wont care if you are late, so don’t put yourself under pressure. On long journeys you should also be mindful of driver tiredness, so our advice is to include some breaks on the trip.” said Mr. Brett.
“Another useful tip would be to consider car pooling. Are any of your friends or work colleagues intending to drive to the same destination for Christmas? Letting someone else do the driving would also be a very practical option if you are a nervous or inexperienced driver.”
While Mr. Brett commended the behaviour of road users in the extremely challenging conditions over the past number of weeks, he cautioned, “We are not out of the woods yet. The danger with this prolonged cold spell is that road users will start to get used to the conditions and begin taking unnecessary risks. It’s vital that we don’t become complacent and continue to exercise great care on the roads.”
The RSA is encouraging road users to visit the ‘Severe Weather Advice for Road Users’ section of its website, www.rsa.ie, for more practical tips on how to deal with the severe weather conditions.
For those travelling on long journeys it is advisable 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)
- De-icing equipment (Both for glass and door locks)
- First aid kit (in good order)
- A fire extinguisher (fully operative)
- A working torch
- A car blanket, additional clothing & some food and water
In preparation for driving you should also ensure:
- The vehicle is properly maintained, serviced and engine oil viscosity is suitable for cold conditions.
- Have the strength of coolant/antifreeze measured.
- Ensure vehicle has adequate supply of fuel for journey.
- Carry some salt or sand.
- Give someone an estimated time of arrival at your proposed destination. Carry a mobile phone and spare, fully charged, battery (if you don’t have a car charger)
ENDS
For further information please contact
Communications Department; 096 - 25008
Link to the to the RSA’s ‘Severe Weather Advice’ section.