10 November 2010
Road Safety Weather Alert – Strong Winds
The Road Safety Authority (RSA), today Wednesday 10th of November 2010 has received a Weather Warning from Met Éireann alerting of stormy conditions this Thursday.
These winds will return to moderate on Friday. Gale force westerly winds of between 100 and 120km/hr are expected, with exposed areas of Connacht and Ulster forecast to receive gusts up to 140km/hr.
The RSA is asking road users to take extra care in these strong winds and have issued the following advice:
- Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected. • Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road
- Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds
- Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists
- Drive with dipped headlights at all times •
- Monitor radio weather broadcasts while travelling
Advice to Pedestrians & Cyclists;
- Be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt
- Take extra care when near traffic or crossing the road in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
- Walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths
- Consider postponing your trip unless it is absolutely necessary
To check weather updates visit Met Eireann’s website www.met.ie
ENDS
For further information please contact: Communications Department, Road Safety Authority Tel. (096) 25008 Or
Brian Farrell, Communications Manager, RSA, 086-3881009