RSA cancels driving tests in Donegal amid 'historic storm' with 'serious risk to life'

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging the people in Donegal to take extreme caution as a Red Weather Warning has been issued for the county with an unprecedented and life-threatening Storm Éowyn.

This is not a typical weather event, the RSA has said, and it has the potential to be a significant and historic storm that poses a serious risk to life.

The RSA has confirmed that all driving tests booked in Donegal will be cancelled on Friday January 24th.

The impacted candidates will be notified via email or text and there will be no need to contact RSA.

A new test invitation will be sent out in the coming days, the RSA has said.

People are being urged not to travel during the red weather warning and to avoid unnecessary travel when it passes due to the extremely strong winds which will result in fallen trees and power lines, destruction to property, flying debris, and road blockages.

This could also lead to cancellation of events, wave overtopping, coastal flooding in low lying and exposed areas and unsafe working conditions as well as significant structural damage and disruption and cancellations to transport.

The RSA has set out guidelines to help people remain safe during these times.

All road users in Donegal and nationally are being advised to be aware of the dangers during the storm and once the storm has passed.

Important Notice: Driving Tests, Friday 24 January 2025
Due to Storm Éowyn, all driving tests scheduled for Friday 24 January have been cancelled.
pic.twitter.com/3W0M4cDS6R

— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) January 23, 2025

• 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.
• Be Safe. Be Seen. 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.

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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.
• Be Safe. Be Seen. Visibility and light are reduced in poor weather conditions. Keep safe by making sure you can be seen. Wear bright clothing and consider wearing high visibility material.