Road Safety Alert - Warning of Dense Fog

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is warning road users of the dangers posed by fog following a yellow weather warning from Met Éireann forecasting dense fog tonight and tomorrow morning across the south west of the country leading to hazardous conditions on the road.

Met Eireann has issued a yellow Dense Fog warning for, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford, from 16.30pm today-10am Tuesday.

Dense fog seriously reduces your visibility and makes driving very dangerous. Switch on dipped headlights and fog lamps, reduce your speed and allow an extra safe distance from you and the vehicle in front. 

If the fog closes in, reduce your speed further and take your time getting to your destination.

Road users should listen to weather forecasts and general advice about driving conditions and if you must drive in fog, allow plenty of extra time for your journey. Before setting out, check that your car is in good working order, particularly that all the lights, including fog lights, work properly and are clean

The RSA is also advising vulnerable road-users such as pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists to ensure they are clearly visible to other road-users by wearing high visibility clothing and using lights.

Other tips for road users include:

• Switch on dipped headlights and fog lamps if visibility is reduced
• As you enter fog, check your mirrors and slow down. Use your foot brake lightly so that your lights warn following drivers.
• Do not drive on the tail-lights of the vehicle in front (Target Fixing). This can give a false sense of security and you will be too close to be able to brake safely.
• Beware of other drivers who are not using their headlights.
• Switch off distracting noise and open the window slightly so that you can listen for other traffic, especially at crossroads and junctions
• Carry a mobile phone, high visibility jacket and torch in the event of a breakdown or collision. In the event of a breakdown park the vehicle well in off the road, get out and stand well back from the side of the road. Phone the emergency services and do not attempt to stand or walk on the road.
• Beware of speeding up as soon as visibility improves slightly. In patchy fog you could find yourself “driving blind” again only moments later
• Remember to switch off your fog lights when visibility improves.

For advice on driving in fog, please see below here

Or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.

Please also see our severe weather warning videos created in collaboration with Teresa Mannion