9th September 2016: The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users to take extreme care when using the roads as Met Éireann have issued a Yellow Weather Warning for strong winds from 10am to 9pm today, Friday 9 September. Southerly winds later veering southwesterly are expected and will increase to 55 to 65 km/h and will gust up to 90 to 100km/h at times. Winds will be strongest on exposed parts of the northwest coast. Those in areas such as Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare and Kerry are advised to take great care on the roads.
The RSA has issued the following advice for road users.
When driving in windy conditions drivers are reminded:
- To beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected. Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road
- Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds
- Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road
- Drive with dipped headlights at all times
- Drivers should allow extra space around vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.
Advice to Pedestrians & Cyclists:
- Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.
- Take extra care when near traffic or crossing the road in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
- Pedestrians should walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.
For advice on severe weather driving tips please see severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages.
For more weather updates, visit Met Eireann’s website www.met.ie