Motoring

It’s getting towards the end of the year again and in the motor industry, that means it’s time again for the Irish Car of the Year and Irish Van of the Year awards. This is the 40th year of the awards, which are again supported by long time sponsor, Continental Tyres. The overall winning car and the category winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony at the Powerscourt Hotel, Enniskerry, on October 27. This year, 33 of Ireland’s leading motoring writers will get together to vote for what they believe to be the best on the market. For the first time, the field of contenders has been expanded to encompass facelifted cars too, so any car introduced in the last year is in with a shout. Voting jurors, who have spent the last twelve months familiarising themselves with everything on the market, will vote in a number of categories. Each juror has 25 points to allocate in each category, …

Ennis and Clare motorists are being advised to check their car or vehicle tyres monthly, as a Road Safety Authority report identifies defective tyres, including low tyre pressure, as a very significant factor in road deaths. Defective tyres are one of the most significant factors causing road fatalities, according to Ennis Fine Gael councillor, Johnny Flynn. A former chief fire officer, he said improving awareness around safety on our roads is an ongoing priority. The RSA report shows that vehicle factors played a role in one in eight fatal collisions during the period between 2008 and 2012. Defective tyres represented almost two thirds of the vehicle factors identified. The recently published report is the first of its kind to be launched in Ireland, and it analyses An Garda Síochána’s Forensic Collision Investigation reports. According to Councillor Flynn, “This report paints a stark picture of the causes of road fatalities in Ireland. In a four-year period between 2008 and 2012, 983 …

THE Road Safety Authority and gardaí are cautioning drivers about the the danger of ‘sun glare’, which results in drivers being temporarily dazzled or blinded by the intensity and brightness of a low sun. The appeal comes as provisional crash reports indicate that drivers being temporarily blinded by ‘sun glare’ may have been a contributory factor in five fatalities and nine serious injuries between 2014 and 2015. Moyagh Murdock, CEO, RSA said, “Because, at this time of the year, the sun sits so low in the sky, late in the morning and early evening, corresponding with the main commuting times, the sun visor on the car isn’t really much help at all. If a driver is driving straight into such a sun he or she can be completely dazzled by the sheer intensity and brightness of its rays. The situation is made worse if the windscreen is dirty or greasy or if it’s been raining, or the ground is covered …

NEW research reveals that most Irish motorists still resort to water from a kettle to clear their windscreens on frosty morning, despite the risk of cracking the glass. More than 70% admit to driving off before their windows have fully cleared, and one in five forget to replenish their washer fluid, with women the worst offenders. The survey of over 300 Irish motorists, conducted by TheResearchCentre.ie on behalf of Mr Windscreen, found that,with 58% of respondents, boiling water was the preferred method of clearing a windscreen, ahead of the car’s demister or ice scraper. “On any given frosty morning our depots across the country will see lots of motorists come in having cracked their windscreens with excessively hot water,” explained Gerry Fitzgibbon of Mr Windscreen. “Replacing the windscreen, particularly today’s high-tech and heated screens, amounts to a considerable and unnecessary expense. Any chip in the windscreen increases the likelihood of it cracking when exposed to overly hot water. It might …

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), has today (Monday) issued a reminder to all road users to continue to exercise caution when using the roads. Even though weather conditions have improved, road conditions in parts of the country are still hazardous due to the continued presence of flooding on roads. There is also the added danger posed by storm damaged road surfaces and gravel / stones deposited by surface water, especially on regional roads. The RSA advises the following: Driver behaviour needs to match the road conditions on roads. Debris deposited by the recent rainwater (surface run off) and wet roads will reduce grip so drivers are asked to slow down and increase braking distances, by leaving a bigger gap between vehicles. DO NOT attempt to drive through flooded roads as stranded cars are causing obstruction and a hazard in some locations. Pay attention to any advice or signage that either the local authorities or the gardaí have in place for road closures …

With widespread flooding on roads in many parts of the country, motorists are advised to heed the local authority warnings. The RSA also has useful advice on their website. People should avoid contact with floodwaters, which may be contaminated. If it is necessary to walk through floodwater, use a stick or walking pole to test the ground under the water. Do not enter flowing floodwaters – they may be deeper and faster flowing than they appear. The public is reminded to avoid walking along riverbanks, which may be unsafe due to swollen rivers until it is safe to do so. They are also requested to heed any public warnings from the local authorities or local media outlets. People are further advised to follow local flood warnings issued through local authorities for more detailed information. With strong winds and high seas expected over coming days, the Coast Guard advice to people remains the same – anybody who might visit coastal areas should take care. …

A provisional review of road fatalities for 2015 shows that as of December 22 there have been 154 deaths, following 148 fatal collisions on Irish roads. This represents 37 fewer deaths (-19%) and 29 fewer fatal crashes compared to the same period in 2014. Commenting on the provisional review, published by the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, said,“While every death is one too many, the progress we are making in reducing the number of fatalities on our roads is encouraging. It is estimated, however, that a further eight people may die over the Christmas period, further highlighting the fact that the opportunity is there for each and every one of us to prevent this from happening by making good choices whether we are out walking, cycling, biking or driving. “But not only can we save more lives we also have the possibility of making 2015 the safest year on our …

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has renewed its appeal to users to take extra care on the roads as Met Éireann have issued an ORANGE weather warning for counties Clare, Kerry and Cork. Prolonged falls of very heavy is rain expected overnight today (Friday) and during Saturday, with totals of 30 to 50mm, larger totals on higher ground. Further flooding is expected. The poor weather will create potentially hazardous conditions for road users. As such the RSA is advising drivers that; It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, 4 seconds at a minimum (use the 2 second rule and repeat it twice). Take special care when driving behind trucks or buses as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility. Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen. Wear bright …