The AA is warning drivers to take extra care on the roads as heavy rainfall has caused poor road conditions and wet road surfaces in many areas. Met Eireann is forecasting more rain with occasional thundery downpours in the next few days.
“All areas have had some rain in the last 24 hours with some extremely heavy localised showers,” says Director of Policy Conor Faughnan. “This has meant some very testing driving conditions and drivers must take extra care.
The most important message is for drivers to slow down. Braking distances increase dramatically in wet conditions. It is especially important for drivers not to tailgate. Leave a long distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. This is particularly important on motorways.
“Motorways are generally very safe, but heavy rain makes them dangerous.
Road spray thrown up from the wheels reduces visibility, and we have had a lot of motorists report very difficult conditions on the Motorways today. According to the Road Safety Authority, it can take you more than 170 metres to bring a car to a complete stop when you are travelling at 120kph, as we do on Motorways.”
Heavy showers can cause localised flooding very quickly and also reduce visibility. Take particular care to look out for cyclists and motorcyclists. Not only are conditions more difficult for these vulnerable road users, water beading on the glass of a car makes it more difficult for the driver to see out.
“It is all too easy not to see a bike when the car glass is wet and misted, “ says Faughnan. “Check your blind spot with extra care when changing lanes, and remember that there are school children on the roads once more now that September is here.”
