RSA Urges Caution as Met Éireann Issues High Temperature Warning for Ireland

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging road users to take extra care over the coming days, after Met Éireann issued a Yellow weather warning for high temperatures across Ireland.

The Yellow High Temperature Warning is in place from 12:00 on Tuesday until 9am on Friday. Temperatures are expected to exceed 25 degrees, possibly reaching 30 degrees on Thursday.

With clear, sunny conditions forecast over the next number of days, the RSA is advising drivers to reduce the risk from sun glare by wearing sunglasses. Motorists should be aware of the dangers of sun glare when travelling east in the mornings and west later in the day.

Drivers are also urged to be prepared and to carry adequate supplies of water. Any delays to journeys could leave road users stuck in traffic for a period of time in hot conditions, with children and pets particularly at risk during these hot spells.

The RSA advises ensuring your windscreen is clear of grease or grime, inside and out, and that you have plenty of window washer fluid to clear flies, insects, and excess dust from the road when driving.

Drivers are reminded to watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, and motorcyclists, and to slow down and allow extra space when passing.

The RSA also has advice for pedestrians, people who cycle, e-scooter users, and motorcyclists. They are asked to beware of the dangers that sun glare can cause, especially when crossing the road and at junctions, and to follow current health messaging around the use of sun block when out walking and cycling.

The Authority notes that summertime is the most dangerous time of the year on the roads. When there are no obvious dangers, and the weather is fine and days are brighter, drivers can drop their guard.

There can be a spike in pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist casualties over the summer months as the fine weather brings more people onto the roads. The RSA says drivers need to be on the lookout for them, to slow down, and to expect the unexpected.

For advice on severe weather driving tips, including driving in sun glare, see the severe weather advice on the RSA website, or the RSA's Facebook and Twitter pages. The RSA has also produced severe weather warning videos in collaboration with Teresa Mannion. For more weather updates, visit Met Éireann's website.