Driving in Ireland has always had its challenges. Rain, floods, occasional snow, and narrow country roads can all make driving difficult but the most challenging aspect of driving in Ireland is usually rain. It is often a struggle for even the most experienced motorist to cope with heavy downpours, poor visibility and frequent floods. Local knowledge of the area can help a little but it always pays to be extra cautious in dangerous driving conditions regardless of the location or how well you know the area.
The newspapers have weather reports and predictions and will give flood warnings and feature reports on major road closures but they are usually old news by the time you read them. A better option for up to date news are the reports on the national radio stations. Weather reports are usually given with the news on the hour or half hour. Road traffic reports are less frequent. The most recent information can be found on the internet.
Check your car for problems regularly. It sounds obvious but many problems can be avoided with proper preparation. For instance it’s important to check that all tyres are properly inflated, including the spare tyre. It is also a good idea to make sure you have the tools required to change a tyre.
Similarly, check that you have enough petrol for your trip before you travel and that your windscreen wipers are in good working order. It’s also important to check that your lights are working, Not only so you can see but also so you can be seen while on the road. If you own a mobile phone, always take it with you when you travel in your car. Make sure it is fully charged before your trip as it might be important if you are stuck in the countryside.
Not all of Ireland’s roads are perfectly flat and designed to be self-draining at all times. That means that a film of a few millimetres of water will often stay on the surface for long times, which is where the danger of aquaplaning starts. Aquaplaning is where a wedge of water builds up between the front of the tyre and the road surface. Always slow down when driving in poor visibility to try and avoid this.
Floods are always a possibility in Ireland due to constant rain, and the floods can often be quite deep. This means that your car’s electrical or mechanical systems could be in contact with water, which never ends well. Therefore, never drive in deep water!
If you decide to drive in bad weather, you are putting yourself, your passengers and other road users in unnecessary danger. Unless you are absolutely certain you will reach your destination without taking risks, you should consider a safer alternative if possible. When driving in conditions that are outright dangerous, having to compare windscreen prices afterwards could be the least of your problems.
Peter Rose writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.