Motorists warned to be careful as temperatures set to plummet

Motorists are being warned of potentially dangerous road conditions in the coming days as temperatures are set to plummet from Thursday.

With road temperatures forecast to drop as low as -10 ° C in the coming nights, AA Roadwatch is urging caution especially early in the morning when frost, ice and freezing fog are expected.

Nicola Hudson, Roadwatch Controller says “With very low temperatures and frost forecast, it is likely that road conditions will be very dangerous. Motorists should take particular care when driving overnight and in the early hours of the morning”.

Drivers are being advised to allow extra time for all journeys and to watch out for black ice on all roads, particularly in sheltered areas. Black ice is caused when drops of mist or rain freeze on the road, it is transparent and very hazardous.

“Road temperatures are often far lower than the air temperature and often drivers may not realise the roads are still icy.” warned Hudson “On these dark mornings, roads often re-freeze around 7:30am or 8am, and the number of crashes usually increases. We advise drivers to take five minutes now, before the freeze arrives, to check that their tyres are in good condition and are properly inflated.”

“National primary roads will be the first to be treated, but even roads that are used regularly can be badly affected, keep an eye on motorways and secondary routes.”

Freezing fog is particularly dangerous and is most frequent in Munster around counties Tipperary, Cork and Limerick, but it also affects the M7 through Co. Laois and Co. Kildare and the M1 in Co. Louth.