Motorists urged to stay at home
Thursday December 24 2009
Motorists travelling across the country over the Christmas period have been urged to take extra care on treacherous roads.
AA Roadwatch said driving conditions were dangerous because of severe ice and freezing fog, especially in Munster and Leinster.
"Bear in mind that your braking distance is 10 times greater than normal when driving in ice, so keep a good distance from vehicles in front of you," said an AA spokeswoman. "Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving."
Gardai have warned motorists to travel with extreme caution, with temperatures in some parts of the country among the lowest recorded.
Road temperatures of minus 7.6 degrees have been reported on the N2 in Monaghan and on the N4 in Longford, while air temperatures are as low as minus ten in Sligo.
Met Eireann said snow is expected to fall in Ulster and parts of Connaught and north Leinster on Christmas Day, with the rest of the country getting rain.
Meanwhile, gardai are investigating three road deaths in counties Mayo, Waterford and Kerry.
In Co Mayo, a 57-year-old man was killed in a single-vehicle crash near Louisburgh, while a 36-year-old man died when a truck collided with a car on the N25.
An elderly pedestrian was also killed when he was struck by a lorry in Ardfert, Co Kerry.
The man, who was in his 70s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was removed to Tralee General Hospital where a post mortem examination will be carried out.
