The Road Safety Authority have this week issued advice on driving in areas affected by high winds and debris.
As an employer or self-employed person, you must, by law, manage the risks that may arise when you or your employees drive for work. Employers cannot directly control roadway conditions, but you can promote good driving behaviour by your employees. Given the weather alerts over the past number days now is the time to remind employees on how to safely travel and to remind them to exercise caution while using the roads.
The following guidelines for motorists was issued:
Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds.
Beware of objects being blown onto the road. Expect road conditions to change quickly in high winds so reduce your speed.
Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road.
Drivers should allow extra space allow between themselves and vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.
Motorists should also be aware that cyclists may need more road space than normal due to flooding, fallen debris and wind gusts. Give them plenty of space to navigate any obstacles that may be in front of them.
Drive with dipped headlights at all times.
If the road ahead is flooded choose another route, do not attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. They may also have trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.
Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic.
After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance – this helps to dry the brakes.
For more weather updates, visit Met Eireann’s website: www.met.ie
