How to drive in icy conditions as Ireland heads for temperature drop this Christmas

With temperatures set to drop over the Christmas weekend, drivers have been warned of the increased risks when using the roads as they freeze.

The RSA has said roads can become particularly dangerous in the morning thaw as drivers are lured into a false sense of security, thinking that the harmful conditions have melted away.

If you are planning on taking to the roads in the coming weeks, it is important to understand just how to manage icy road conditions and measures you can put in place to avoid potential accidents.

The RSA has the following advice for road users:

Winter storm hitting urban streets of London, United Kingdom (gettyimages.ie)

1. Drivers need to be aware that grit residue from treated roads may remain for a few days after a thaw. The obvious danger here is that it could create a hazard due to the risk of skidding on the grit. This is especially true on bends and in the centre of the road, where a build-up of grit usually occurs.

2. Remember that there may still be black ice lingering in sheltered spots and on bends and corners.

3. Be aware of the risk of thawing ice and slush build-up at roadsides.

4. Visibility will be reduced as spray from vehicles is thrown onto the windscreen of your vehicle. Keep an extra distance from the vehicle in front, especially goods vehicles, and ensure that your windshield washer is full. Keep your lights clear of grime and dirt.

5. Slow down as there may also be localised flooding as the thaw starts, and this will increase the risk of aquaplaning.

6. Road surfaces may be damaged after the freeze/thaw action of the frost and ice. Motorists, especially cyclists and motorcyclists, are advised to observe for such hazards.

7. Motorists are asked to allow extra distance when passing cyclists and motorcyclists as they may have to take evasive action to avoid a hazard such as black ice or a pot-hole.

8. Slow down, keep an extra distance from the vehicle in front and expect the unexpected.

9. Road users, especially pedestrian’s and cyclists, should be aware of overhead hazards. Melting snow and ice falling from buildings and trees pose a serious risk. Be mindful of what’s happening above you and stay clear from the edges of buildings.

10. Slush, sand, grit, and ice-melting chemicals, as well as splattering all over windshields, also accumulates on the underside of cars and accelerate corrosion. Wash your vehicle, particularly windscreens and lights. To minimise corrosion to your vehicle, it is advisable to have the underside and wheel arches power washed/ sprayed at a car wash.

Checks to carry out before taking to the road

There are some procedures that will help you to navigate the roads safely that can be carried out before you set off on your journey.

These measures include:

• Check local and National weather forecasts before setting out on a journey.
• Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and de-icer.
• Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass.
• Remove ALL snow from your vehicle before commencing your journey. Snow left on the roof will become loose and can drop onto the windscreen during braking, thereby causing sudden and severe restrictions to your vision. It can also fall off during your drive and cause injury to pedestrians or a reflex action by another driver.
• Check tyres, including spare wheel, to ensure minimum tread depth of 1.6mm and correct tyre pressure.
• Check that your spare wheel is in good condition and is fully inflated. Some cars may have an inflation repair kit instead of a spare wheel. Make sure that you know how to use it. Drivers are encouraged to carry an ice scraper and de-icer as part of an “emergency kit”.

While driving:

• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
• Select a low gear when travelling downhill, especially if through bends.
• If driving an automatic, familiarise yourself with the Manual Override function. This will allow you manually select an appropriate gear so as to avoid braking where that might lead to skidding.
• Manoeuvre gently, avoid harsh braking and acceleration.
• To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, using the clutch smoothly and allowing your speed to fall and using the brake pedal gently.
• Remember that heavy snowfall and rain reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights and decrease speed smoothly.
• Watch out for black ice, especially in sheltered/shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls. One of the features of travelling on Black Ice is a sudden reduction in tyre noise.

What to do if your car begins to skid

A vehicle skid can be a scary moment for a driver, but knowing how to manage them may help you to avoid an accident and feel more confident when driving in dangerous conditions.

If your vehicle begins to skid, you should:

• Identify the cause – It is either, Too much Braking, Too much Steering, Too much Acceleration or a combination of one or all of these.
• If your car has ABS, it will not skid under braking. If ABS is activated, keep your foot on the brake and steer around what caused you to brake.
• If your car does not have ABS and starts to skid on the brakes, pump the brake pedal very fast (Cadence Braking) and steer around what caused you to brake.
• If your vehicle skids and slews sideways -Turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the skid and ease off the accelerator at the same time.
• Avoid over-correction with too much steering.
• Be ready for a secondary skid.