Wet weather and slippy roads made for difficult driving conditions this week and the AA is now warning motorists to take extra care to avoid accidents. With Met Éireann forecasting further rain with occasional thundery downpours in the next few days, AA director of policy Conor Faughnan said the weather has led to 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.”
Mr Faughnan also advised motorists to be particularly careful to look out for cyclists and motorcyclists. “Heavy showers can cause localised flooding very quickly and also reduce visibility. 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,” said Mr 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.”
Wet weather affects cars in other ways as well. The AA Rescue Service had its busiest morning for breakdowns since last January, with nearly 300 call outs. The worst affected area was Dublin.
“We are used to this in the AA, but I guess it tells us that summer is officially over,” said Mr Faughnan.
