MOTORISTS are being urged to exercise caution in the coming days, as a cold weather spell is expected to bring a risk of snow, ice and frost in the week ahead.
With Met Éireann warning of a risk of snow and ice early in the week, AA Ireland is encouraging those who must travel early in the week to exercise additional caution.
The AA is encouraging motorists to reduce their speed if driving in icy areas or during falling snow and to be on the lookout for vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians.
While current traffic volumes are estimated to be in the region of 60 per cent of pre-Covid levels on most major routes, Irish roads are currently significantly busier than they were during the first lockdown of last year.
With a greater number of people now driving for essential work or shopping, those who must travel are being encouraged to be alert to the risks posed by ice and snow.
“Late last week, a number of weather warnings were in place for parts of the UK as a result of the risk of snow and it now appears as if that cold snap will hit Ireland early this week,” Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs said.
“While many of us are spending significantly less time in our car than we ordinarily would, for those who must travel in the days ahead it’s important that you remember to adapt your driving to the weather conditions that present.
“On icy roads it can take much longer to bring your car to a stop in an emergency, so it’s important that you reduce your speed and allow extra distance between yourself and other road users”