Mayo motorists urged to avoid travel during storm amid Status Red weather alert

THE Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising road users in Mayo to avoid travelling during the Status Red weather alert as the county is set to be hit by Storm Darragh. 

Motorists in Mayo, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim and Sligo have been urged to avoid any travel during 10pm on Friday and 3am on Saturday morning

Extremely strong and gusty northwest winds are predicted to hit Mayo, with risk of fallen trees, damage to power lines and wave overtopping and the possibility of damage to homes 

Where people have to use the roads the following advice is being given on foot of the weather warnings:

• Slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions. This is especially important on high-speed roads such as dual carriageways and motorways where there is increased danger of aquaplaning.

• Take special care when driving behind goods vehicles, as they generate a considerable amount of spray, which reduces your visibility. Hold back to where you can see their mirrors.

• If the road ahead is flooded, choose another route. Don't attempt to drive through it. Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. The verge may have subsided and there may also be trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible.

• Road users should always follow recommended routes and obey signs closing roads to traffic that have been put there by the local council or An Garda Síochána.

• After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes.

• Drive with dipped headlights at all times to ensure that you are visible and that you can see other road users.

• Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected.

• Watch out for falling / fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road.

• Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds

• Drivers should allow extra space between themselves and vulnerable road users such as people cycling and motorcyclists as they may be blown off course by strong winds.

Advice to road users e.g. pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists:

• Walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths.

• People cycling should ensure that they and their bike are visible to other road users by investing in a good set of front and rear lights (white at the front, red at the back) and by wearing clothes that help you be seen on your bike. Consider wearing high visibility material.

• 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.

• Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.