6 Tips on Safer Driving for Ireland’s Ice Warning

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow ice warning for the whole country this morning, Tuesday, March 7 with ground temperatures forecast to reach as low as -4C.

Liberty is advising motorists of a number of practical measures and precautions they can take if travelling over the coming days.

Check the Tread Depth on Tyres
Low tyre tread depth is hazardous for drivers and other road users. Worn tyres are more likely to fail to grip icy or wet roads; they are also less efficient at braking suddenly and more prone to punctures. Motorists should ensure that tyre tread depths are at least the legal minimum limit of 1.6mm, and check this regularly.

Carry an Emergency equipment kit
The research last year found that only around half of motorists carry an emergency breakdown kit (52% of men and 42% of women). Motorists should make sure their car has such a kit, which is fully stocked with items including a tyre inflator, de-icing equipment or spray, jack, jump leads, a warning triangle, and hi-vis clothing.

Ensure your vehicle is serviced
With increases in the cost of living in recent months, many motorists may have put off servicing their vehicle, but the majority of minor breakdowns on Irish roads can be prevented with regular servicing. Minor breakdowns include a flat tyre, minor mechanical, electrical or electronic breakdowns such as a run-down battery or a blown fuse. Consistent vehicle servicing will reduce the risk of being involved in a breakdown or a hazardous situation on Irish roads.

Exercise caution when driving
Motorists should take note of national and localised weather warnings, and exercise caution on the road. Braking distances can be much longer on icy roads, so motorists should slow down. When driving in low visibility, motorists should ensure they have a clear windscreen when driving in subzero temperatures, switch on their fog lights, and remember to switch them off again when driving in normal conditions.

Avoid excessive use of the brakes if entering a skid
If you do start to skid on a patch of slippery road, avoid using the brakes as this will prolong the skid. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator to allow yourself to reduce speed until you can gain control of the car. 

Be particularly mindful of other road users
Motorists should always take care of other road users such as cyclists or pedestrians. In hazardous conditions, where road surfaces can be slippy, or visibility is poor, such road users can be particularly vulnerable. Motorists should ensure they keep a safe distance from other road users, drive at suitable speeds and use appropriate lights for their surroundings.