Castletown School of Motoring – Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms

Thursday 17 July 2014: the RSA is advising all road users exercise caution using the roads following Met Éireann’s warning of possible heavy rain and thunderstorms over the coming days.

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow weather advisory for Ireland advising of warm and very humid weather with possible heavy showers, thunderstorms with hail which may lead to local flooding, disruption or possible damage tonight, Friday and Saturday.

The RSA is asking road users to take extra care and has issued 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, 4 seconds at a minimum (use the 2 second rule and repeat it twice).

·Take special care when driving behind trucks or buses as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility,
– Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

·Use dipped headlights at all times of poor visibility not parking/side lights and fog lights.

·Be mindful of aquaplaning on roads where 100/120kmh speeds apply. Aquaplaning occurs where the tyre thread fill with water leading to a loss of traction with the road surface and the driver is at risk of losing control of the vehicle.

·Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt.

·Pedestrians should walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.

The RSA also has the following advice for driving in flooded conditions;
•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.
•Sometimes roads can be closed due to their fragile state after wet weather or because they are blocked by flooding.
•Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic.
•Watch out for washed out roads, earth slides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and fallen or falling objects.