Gardai are warning drivers to ensure their cars are ‘winter ready’ in order to avoid collisions and deaths on Irish roads as the weather forecast takes a turn this week.
They warn that poorly maintained vehicles contribute to fatal accidents as the evenings get darker, the rain heavier and roads frostier.
First up, motorists should ensure their car is not due for a service over the coming weeks, and if it is ensure you book it in.
Next, you should check your tyres are properly inflated and have at least 1.6mm -which is the legal minimum - but anything under 2.5 mm exposes us to huge aquaplaning risk.
Check that you have screenwash and good wipers and is the windscreen is clean, clear and dry every time you drive - especially when they become frozen over.
Ensure all the lights are in working order. You'll need someone to help check them or park in front of a reflective surface as gardai warn, “one headlight wonders expose all road users to a lethal threat.”
Tend to all warning lights on the dashboard because if you don't, “they could result in you being stranded on the hard shoulder or worse.”
Ensure your lights and number plates are clean and visible and remember “as well as driver behaviour, poorly maintained vehicles contribute to collisions and ultimately deaths on our roads.”
The number of deaths on Irish roads this year alone is at 106, of which:
- 13 were Pedestrian
- 57 were Drivers
- 13 were Passengers
- 19 were Motorcyclists
- 4 were Pedal Cyclists
