News & Info

Ireland typically experiences increased rainfall in the months of October, November, and December. This can lead to challenging driving conditions and increased risk of road traffic accidents.

Heavy rain in particular can cause dangerous conditions such as:

• slippery roads
• reduced visibility
• flash flooding

By taking precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of an accident and help protect yourself, passengers, and other road users.

Prepare your vehicle

Regularly check the tread and pressure of your tyres. Tyres with adequate tread (at least 3mm) provide better grip on wet surfaces. Worn and underinflated tyres are more likely to skid or aquaplane in wet weather.

Rain can drastically reduce visibility, so it is important to ensure your windscreen wipers are working properly.

Remember, if your windscreen wipers are on, your lights should be too. Clean and properly adjusted headlights are crucial, especially on rainy and foggy days, so other road users can see you. Before setting off, check your lights are clean of dirt and mud and that they are functioning properly.

Keep a greater distance from other vehicles

During wet weather, the road is more slippery and it can take twice as long for vehicles to stop. In dry weather the general advice is to keep 2 seconds between you and the vehicle ahead; however, in wet weather you should maintain a stopping distance of about 4 seconds.

As water spray from large tyres can reduce visibility you may need to keep a greater distance from larger vehicles like lorries and buses whenever possible.

The AA website has useful information on stopping distances and how these can vary between vehicles and driving conditions.

Slow down and avoid harsh braking

Given the need for increased stopping distances in the rain, it is important to slow down and avoid heavy braking where possible. Sudden braking can cause vehicles to lose traction and skid. Ease off the accelerator for slowing down where you can for a smoother reduction in speed.

Never use cruise control in wet conditions

Cruise control enables drivers to automatically control a vehicle’s speed without constant use of the accelerator. However, in wet weather conditions drivers may need to reduce speed by easing off the accelerator to prevent traction loss – this is not possible when using cruise control. To remain fully engaged during wet weather driving in cruise control should be avoided.

Know what to do if your car aquaplanes

Aquaplaning is when a layer of water builds between the road surface and the wheels of the vehicle, causing the tyres to skate on a sheet of water with no contact with the road. This can happen when driving at speed through pooled water on the road. Worn or underinflated tyres also increase the risk of this happening.

If your vehicle starts to aquaplane, remain calm, avoid steering, and take your foot off the accelerator. Steering or braking while aquaplaning can lead to a skid. Slowing down allows your vehicle to regain contact with the road.

For more information and advice for road users in severe weather conditions visit the Road Safety Authority website.

At Tracey Solicitors LLP, we specialise in helping people who have been injured in road traffic accidents. Our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.

Contact us and tell us about your case today.