Laois County Council’s Severe Weather Assessment Team has issued a warning to motorists today as ‘driving conditions are set to deteriorate’ due to snow and sleet.
They are calling on people to avoid unnecessary journeys as a result.
They say: “Taking account of the current local forecast, including Met Éireann Weather Warnings currently in effect for Snow and Wind in County Laois, the Severe Weather Assessment Team advises that driving conditions across County Laois are likely to deteriorate this afternoon, this evening, through tonight and into tomorrow morning.
“Motorists are advised to avoid journeys where at all possible and to only undertake absolutely essential journeys.
“Motorists undertaking absolutely essential journeys should avoid higher ground where conditions are likely to be more severe.
“In the interests of safety please avoid the road network for this weather event.
“Advice for households on preparing for cold weather is available on the Winter Ready website at www.winterready.ie
“For urgent support required during this severe weather please contact Laois County Council out of hours number at 1800 832 010 or in the case of an emergency dial 999 or 112.”
Meanwhile, as the bitterly cold weather continues this week, motorists have been advised of a number of planning ahead steps to help get safely through and avoid the trauma of an accident.
Brokers Ireland, which represents 1,225 Broker firms, advised drivers to be alert to the unexpected by slowing down and leaving more distance than usual between motor vehicles.
Cathie Shannon, Director of General Insurance Services at the organization, advised drivers to familiarise themselves with the detail of their car insurance policies and emergency numbers, in the event of a breakdown during the inclement weather.
She said the correct tyre pressure levels, as recommended by manufacturers, is one of the easiest tasks to undertake but can be powerful in preventing accidents.
She laid out the following seven tips to help keep you safe this week:
- Not to use very hot or boiling water to clear windscreens, as it can crack the glass
- Check the car’s coolant or antifreeze levels
- Clean lights and make sure they are working
- Keep fuel topped up to cover long delays
- Remember stopping distance can be increased ten-fold during ice and snow, so make allowance for that
- Carry a winter survival kit, including a high-vis jacket and reflective warning triangles
- Be ever more conscious of, and generous to, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
She said the correct tyre pressure levels, as recommended by manufacturers, is one of the easiest tasks to undertake but can be powerful in preventing accidents.
She said: “Air contracts when it’s cold causing tyre pressure to drop.
“Your tyres are the key point of contact between your vehicle and the road.
“Too little air in your tyres results in poor vehicle handling and your braking can be severely compromised, and more acutely so in adverse weather conditions.
“It’s also important for drivers to be aware that front-wheel drive vehicles have greater grip, they handle ice and snow better than rear-wheel drives.
“Rear-wheel drive cars are more prone to skidding. Carrying weight in your boot can help somewhat by putting additional weight on the back tyres.”
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