The Road Safety Authority has issued a warning to drivers to be extra careful in the coming days - as Ireland is set to be battered by high winds and hailstorms.
Wintry conditions are due to set in on Tuesday evening and continue through to the weekend, including long spells of hail and sleet.
This could make driving on the road even more difficult than usual as surfaces may be slippy and in some areas unsafe to drive.
This has led to an RSA warning to motorists, which includes a list of things that drivers should check for before setting of.
A spokesperson said: "The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising drivers to be aware of the dangers posed by hailstones. The advice comes as Met Eireann has forecast wintery showers of hail over the coming days and into the weekend.
"Hail is a common but unpredictable occurrence in Ireland and can lead to slippery and dangerous driving conditions. This is especially true on higher speed roads like dual carriageways or motorways.
"The difficulty with hail showers is their unpredictability and localised nature. As a hail shower tracks across the country it deposits a narrow band of ball bearing sized hailstones on the ground. Where the track of a shower crosses a road, drivers may suddenly pass from perfectly good road conditions onto a carpet of hailstones. This has the potential to catch drivers out if they do not immediately react to the hazardous driving conditions.
"The RSA has the following practical advice for drivers:
- Drivers need to be on guard to the potential danger posed by hailstones. If you encounter hailstones reduce your speed, without breaking if possible.
- Warn other drivers by using your hazard warning lights.
- Driving slowly in a high gear will help your tyres maintain grip even as your tyres move over the compacted pellets of ice.
- Accelerate and brake very gently and drive slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely. Avoid sudden steering movements or hard braking.
- Keep an eye out for road markings that may become obscured and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front."
