Is your vehicle winter ready? Gardaí issue advice for Clare drivers

Gardaí  have advised all Clare motorists to ensure their vehicle is ready for this winter

"Although the weather has been quite mild lately, don’t get caught out if severe weather strikes," Garda Eimear McDonagh, who's part of the Community Policing Unit at Ennis garda station.

"A few simple precautions can ensure the safety of you and your family on the roads this winter".

Motorists are advised to remember to: 

• service their vehicle so that it is safe for winter driving

• top up with anti-freeze and screen wash

• check for wear and tear on wiper blades and replace them as soon as they start to smear rather than clean windows

• keep tyre pressure at the manufacturer's recommended level — tyres should also have at least 3 millimetres of tread depth

• make sure all vehicle lights are working and clean

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"Bad weather such as torrential rain, severe winds, fog, freezing fog, ice and snow can strike suddenly catching road users off guard," Garda McDonagh continued.

"In extreme weather conditions, you should ask yourself if making a journey by road is absolutely necessary. If it’s not, consider delaying your trip until the weather and road conditions improve."

Vulnerable road user such as a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist should be especially prepared, if using the roads in such conditions is unavoidable she said.

"Inform family/friends of your planned route, estimated time of arrival and carry a mobile phone."

"The golden rule is to drive, cycle or walk with care and caution and expect the unexpected. However you should take heed of any warnings from the Emergency Services not to go out," she concluded.

Read more Motoring News at Clare Live