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Motorists urged to check vehicles during cold snap

Many parts of the country experienced cold temperatures over the last few days
Many parts of the country experienced cold temperatures over the last few days

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has urged road users to make sure their vehicles are as safe as possible before driving in the icy conditions.

Many parts of the country experienced cold temperatures over the last few days.

They dropped as low as -5C in some areas last night.

Met Éireann said that it become less cold today as cloud builds from the west and outbreaks of rain develop, reaching eastern areas after dark, with highest temperatures of 3-8C.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Media Relations Manager with the RSA David Martin said road users need to do everything they can to ensure their vehicles are safe.

"Tyres need to be in good nick ... (with a) tread depth of 3mm. Clear your windows, mirrors and headlights of any ice and carry a screenscraper in your vehicle as well.

"Remember never to pour hot water or boiling water on your windscreen, it’s going to crack the glass. And when you're scraping your window, make sure you clear the whole window of ice, not just directly in front of the driver's seat. This will affect your peripheral vision," he said.

Mr Martin said that drivers need to allow additional time for stopping and slowing down when on the road.

"Driving in ice is probably the most difficult thing we're going to do on the road, so the most important thing to do is slow down," he said.

"This means allowing extra time for your journey, as it might take a bit longer to get there, so no rushing.

"In icy conditions, it can take ten times longer to stop your vehicle, meaning it's essential to give yourself extra space around the road users.

"If at 30 kilometres an hour, for instance, normally you'd stop at ten to 12 metres, it's going to be 120 metres. That’s the length of a football pitch.

"So if you do find yourself on an icy road, don't brake fast, reduce your acceleration, go down through your gears, and you'll come to a gradual halt," Mr Martin said.

He said that pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists should also take extra care.

"The most important thing is, and it sounds like common sense, make sure that you've got the right footwear that has a bit of grip for when you're out walking We found, talking to hospitals, that there are many slips" Mr Martin said.

"For cyclists and pedestrians, make sure that you're well lit up, wear a hi-vis vest, particularly if you're walking in rural areas.

"Cyclists, have your lights, be well lit up and make sure that you've got your gloves.

"I think motorcyclists need to be super vigilant in terms of other road users, and cars will not be able to stop as quickly, so give yourself extra space and extra distance between yourself and the other vehicles.

"Drive or cycle with your headlights on, make sure that you increase your visibility," he added.