Road Safety Authority issues advice for road users in face of Storm Ophelia

THE Road Safety Authority has said that all driving tests taking place in the red alert counties tomorrow are being cancelled.

The RSA will be in touch at a later date to reschedule your driving test. The RSA said it apologises for any inconvenience caused but the decision has been made in the interests of public safety. It has the following general advice for road users when travelling in strong winds: •  Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected. Watch out for falling/fallen debris, like trees and branches, on the road and vehicles veering across the road. •         Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles, motorcyclists and cyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds •        

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. •         Use dipped headlights at all times to improve visibility   With added risks posed by wet or flooded roads the RSA has the following advice: •         It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front •         Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility •         Be aware of the danger of aquaplaning especially on roads with speed limits of 100 km/h and 120 km/h •        

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 •         After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes •         Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic •         Check tyres and consider replacing them if the thread depth is below 3mm.  

General Advice to Pedestrians & Cyclists: •        

Be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt. •         Take extra care when crossing the road or cycling in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.