The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has issued motorists with a winter warning about inclement driving conditions caused by freezing fog and black ice. In a press release published on their web site, they highlight the risks of driving in such conditions, especially as visibility is reduced and a collision involving one vehicle can quickly deteriorate into a multiple vehicle pile-up.
Drivers at the greatest risk are those driving on motorways and dual carriageways which have higher speed limits. Mr. Noel Brett, CEO of the Road Safety Authority commented “Dense fog reduces visibility greatly and makes driving very dangerous. However, freezing fog, when liquid fog droplets freeze to surfaces, can make it difficult to keep the windscreen surface clear. Combined with icy road surfaces – it’s a driver’s worst nightmare.”
Mr. Brett also added the following words of advice -“Reduce your speed and keep your distance from the vehicle in front. You should always be able to stop in the distance you can see in front of you. If the fog closes in, reduce your speed.”
Among the key safety guidelines contained in the press release, the RSA warned against the dangers of “Target Fixing”. This practice concerns being guided by the tail lights of the vehicle in front of you, which may provide you with a false sense of security. Instead they advise to turn off any distracting noise in the vehicle and open a window slightly in order that you can hear other traffic, especially at junctions and at crossroads.
Drivers who ignore the safety guidelines issued by the HSA may be potentially liable for any accidents resulting from their lack of care when driving in poor weather. If you have the misfortune to be injured in a road traffic accident with a vehicle which was not clearly visible, or whose driver failed to account for poor weather conditions, you should report this fact to your solicitor when making a claim for personal injury compensation.