With rain, hail and freezing temperatures setting in, road conditions across Ireland are slowly worsening as we approach 2022.
Gardai have already confirmed an increased focus on checkpoints in the build up to Christmas, with that set to continue this weekend.
There are a number of rules you should be aware of this winter as the weather and other conditions may have a huge impact on road safety - particularly at night time.
The Road Safety Authority and Gardai have combined to release updated advice ahead of the busy Christmas period.
Here are things they advise you to do over the next few weeks:
Before you set off
As the evenings get darker, it’s essential that your car is up to scratch and fit to be on the road.
Ensure that all of your bulbs are working prior to heading out as vision can be greatly impaired.
The legal minimum limit for tyre depth is 1.6mm, but 3mm is recommended for the winter.
There are a number of things you should do to be prepared for a journey in wintery conditions.
First of all, inform someone of the route you intend to take, when you are leaving and when you are due to arrive. Allow extra time for the journey to allow you to take care and drive with caution. Research before leaving whether there are any disruptions to your planned route.
Make sure you have enough fuel to get you from A to B. The last thing you want is to get stuck on the side of the road because you chanced a journey on a half-full tank.
While driving:
You must drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance covered by your lights. Assuming good driving conditions on an unlit road, the headlights of a typical car let you see for about 100 metres. Dipped lights will let you see for about 30 metres and a car travelling at 100km/h will cover this in about a second.
