Weather alert: Advice for driving in hailstone showers
By Mary Dennehy
Met Eireann has issued a weather warning for hailstones this afternoon, Friday, with hail and thunder risks expected to persist later today and possibly over the Easter weekend – along with frost.
Following the weather alert, An Garda Siochana has encouraged people to take care on the roads as hail, in particular, will lead to treacherous driving conditions.
Gardai have advised motorists who find themselves caught in a sudden downpour of hailstones to – reduce speed, use headlights, slow down (reduce speed without braking), increase braking distance and if necessary, warn other drivers with your hazard warning lights.
Motorists are also advised to avoid sudden steering movements or braking suddenly.
The RSA has also produced a short video offering advice on what to do if you encounter a sudden shower of hailstones.
According to Chief Superintendent Finbarr Murphy of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau: “Hail showers pose significant risks to road users particularly on motorways.
“Drivers on motorways need to be vigilant and ready to stop when and if necessary and they need to be able to stop the vehicle safely in order to avoid collisions.
“Hail showers have resulted in multi-vehicle crashes recently.
“Please drive to the conditions, reduce your speed and increase your braking distance.”
Watch the RSA video on driving in hailstones here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHagNrOQGYk
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