Think ahead

• During cold weather check the Met Eireann weather forecast.
• If frost or snow is predicted, plan to leave earlier for your journey.
• Tyres should have plenty of tread and be correctly inflated. The legal tread depth is 1.6mm. Tyres are a vital component; remember they are only contact with the road surface.
• If possible, take a route that avoids steep hills of severe bends.
• In as much as is possible, stick to the main/treated roads.
• Remember and accept that journey times will be longer during severe cold weather.
• If in doubt, stay at home until conditions improve. Your priority is the safety of you, your passengers and others.

Drive for the conditions

• Make sure your vehicle is “warmed-up” and clear of ice. Ensure the wipers and washers are working correctly.
• Keep washer bottle topped up with suitable screen wash. Have de-icers and scraper in your vehicle.
• Remember to drive slowly in a low gear, rather than braking on hills and bends.
• If you start to skid, release the brake pedal fully and stay off the brake, 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.
• Leave a five second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Drive with your dipped headlights on. Use fog lights if visibility is severely reduced. But remember to turn them off when visibility improves.