Major warning about wet roads after first widespread rain in 40 days

Gardai and AA Roadwatch have issued warnings about road conditions following widespread rain today after several weeks of drought-like conditions.

Surfaces will become more greasy with less friction for tyres as elements such as tar, rubber and oil on roads are washed away.

Gardai said: "Reminder to all road users to take care when driving on wet roads after the spell of dry weather.

"It is important to slow down and drive with caution on slippery roads."

AA Roadwatch has reported that dry roads that haven's seen moisture for nearly a month will be treacherously slippery when rainfall comes.

With regular rain falling on road surfaces, materials such as bitumen, oil and rubber from tyres are continuously washed away.

However during dry weather, these elements remain on the road surface.

AA Roadwatch said: "When the first rain falls after days of dry weather, road surfaces become greasier than normal.

"Roads provide less friction for vehicle manoeuvres such as braking or tight cornering.

"To avoid loss of control in these conditions, slow down and avoid braking hard.

"Drivers should also increase the breaking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front.

"As when driving on icy services, gently manoeuvres are the key to safe driving."