WeatherSense - Tips for protecting you, your family and your car

Driving in bad weather – stay safe behind the wheel!

Ireland’s unpredictable weather can present regular challenges to drivers. In all conditions drivers should exercise due care and attention while driving. Severe weather conditions pose increased risks, but a little preparation and precaution in adverse driving conditions can save you from unnecessary incident, expense, delay and can ultimately save lives.

Please take care on the roads.

How should I drive in heavy rain or a storm?
How should I drive in fog?
What should I consider when driving in snow and ice?
What about driving when there has been flooding?
What numbers can I use in case of an emergency

Protect you, your family and car with WeatherSense tips

How should I drive in heavy rain or a storm?

At 50kph safe stopping distance in dry conditions is 25m. In wet this increases by 40% to 35m.
At 100kph safe stopping distance in dry conditions is 78m. In wet this increases by 68% to 123m.
If you see surface water ahead, slow down in advance.
When driving in wet conditions, be aware of wet pedals, wet hands/steering wheel and condensation in
the car. All can prove a distraction.
Check your car regularly, particularly in wet weather. Specifically check wipers, tyres, demister and
brakes. Test your brakes after driving through water to dry them.
Always observe the 2 second rule in dry conditions and at least 4 seconds in wet conditions. Pick a
point the car in front passes and count to 4 before you pass it. If you cannot count to 4, you are too
close to stop safely.
High winds will affect the stability of your car. If driving a high sided vehicle you will be particularly
susceptible to high winds which can cause your vehicle to swerve. Slow down and avoid travelling too
close to or beside vehicles on dual carriageways.
Watch out for debris and leaves and when you reach your destination. During a storm or heavy winds,
do not park under trees, overhanging structures or near unstable structures.

How should I drive in fog?

Fog greatly decreases visibility and reduces your perception of speed.
In dense fog, one should consider if the journey really is necessary.
When driving in fog, illuminate your rear fog lamp. It will allow others to see you sooner.
Ensure you turn off fog lamps out of fog - they DO blind drivers in normal conditions.
Use dipped headlights, as with snow. Hi beams will be reflected back at the driver, and make conditions
worse.
Stay in lane, avoid overtaking and pay close attention to road markings to avoid disorientation.

What should I consider when driving in snow and ice?

When possible, carry a can of de-icer, a plastic windscreen scraper, a first aid kit, a mobile and charger,
a torch and batteries, jumper cables & tow rope, a warning triangle, a hi viz jacket, your car tool kit and
winter clothes.
A simple but invaluable addition is a small shovel to allow you dig out snow and clear in front of wheels.
In advance, check your battery, antifreeze, lights/bulbs, tyres, wipers, fluids, fuel, heater and demister -
in addition to your normal recommended vehicle checks.
Try to avoid hill climbs or descents by planning your journey in advance.
To maintain traction change gear gently and smoothly.
Descend an incline in a lower gear allowing the engine to control speed.
When possible, carry a can of de-icer, a plastic windscreen scraper, a first aid kit, a mobile and charger, a torch and batteries, jump cables & tow rope, a warning triangle, a hi viz jacket, your car tool kit and winter clothes.
A simple but invaluable addition is a small shovel to allow you to dig out snow and clear in front of wheels.
In advance, check your Battery, Antifreeze, Lights/Bulbs, Tyres, Wipers, Fluids, Fuel, Heater and Demister, in addition to your normal recommended vehicle checks
Try to avoid hill climbs or descents by planning your journey in advance.
To maintain traction change gear gently and smoothly.
Descend an incline in a lower gear allowing the engine to control speed.
ABS on modern cars helps by not locking the wheels but cannot compensate for excessive or sharp application of brakes on ice. When braking on ice, gently does it.
If you do not have ABS, gently touch brakes, release and repeat. This will allow the wheels to re-grip and prevent prolonged wheel locking.
In heavy snow fall or blizzards consider using hazard lights if visibility is particularly poor.
Road markings may be obscured so be extra vigilant of your road position, avoid unnecessary manoeuvres.
ABS on modern cars helps by not locking the wheels but cannot compensate for excessive or sharp
application of brakes on ice. When braking on ice, gently does it.
If you do not have ABS, gently touch brakes, release and repeat. This will allow the wheels to re-grip
and prevent prolonged wheel locking.
In heavy snow fall or blizzards consider using hazard lights if visibility is particularly poor.
Road markings may be obscured so be extra vigilant of your road position, and avoid unnecessary
manoeuvres.

What about driving when there has been flooding?

There are many types of flood that can occur around the country:

River Floods: These floods occur when surface water flow rises and channels overflow.

Urban Floods: Towns and built-up areas can experience up to six times greater run off than rural areas due
to road, concrete and tarmac surface cover. Heavy rainfall can turn streets into swiftly moving rivers of
runoff.

Flash Floods: When rain in a particular area is channelled quickly to a narrow outflow point or where a
containment bank is breached, a sudden increase in discharge can be caused. These floods can occur
within hours of heavy rainfall.
If you live in an area where flooding may occur, move your vehicle to higher ground.
Do not drive unless your journey is absolutely necessary.
Do not attempt to drive through water if you are unsure of the depth.
50cm of water can float a car. Observe other vehicles, kerbs, posts, railings, hedging or fences as
indicators of water depth. If in doubt, stop.
Try to drive at the highest point of the road if you can do so safely. Often this will be the middle of the
road as the waters can tend to be deeper along the kerbs.
Be considerate – driving through water at speed can result in water being thrown onto other vehicles and
pavements, soaking pedestrians or cyclists and causing accident or injury for which you are responsible.
Test your brakes as soon as you can after driving through water.

Cars and floods don’t mix. Never risk it unless it’s Shallow, Short and you’re Sure.

What numbers can I use in case of an emergency?

FBD Insurance plc Customer Service
LoCall: 1890 617 617

Email: info@fbd.ie

Claims No. (Including Windscreen Claims)

LoCall: 1890 953 953
Please ensure that you notify us of any accident or damage as soon as possible and prior to affecting any repairs.

Car Accident Assist

LoCall: 1850 323 121
For registering claims and advice.

Car Breakdown Assist*

Freephone: 1800 323 888 (Northern Ireland & UK: 00 353 91 560622)

*This service applies for certain cover only. Please check your Policy Schedule for confirmation of cover.

All suggestions contained herein are made in good faith and should be acted upon only if appropriate to
each individual circumstance. In all instances reasonable care should be taken and professional assistance
is the best way to deal with any extreme weather incident or accident.

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