Ireland’s most dangerous roads have been revealed in a week of multiple road deaths, including two this weekend. A third accident in Cork left a young man with serious injuries.
Three counties have been listed as having the highest number of road deaths so far this year.
The road safety group Parc, the Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority provided the Irish Independent with data on road fatalities, who compiled the information.
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Sligo was named the county with the most dangerous roads. They had more than eight fatalities per 100,000 population in 2022.
It was found that this is six times higher when compared to last year as Sligo had a rate of 1.43 in 2021.
Monaghan followed in a close second with a rate of 7.71 fatal collisions per 100,000 population so far in 2022. It was the same last year.
Limerick came in third, with 6.33 deaths per 100,000 people this year. This is compared to 2.92 in 2021.
The Gardaí are pointing people to a winter ready guide published by the Office of Emergency Planning within the Department of Defence.
They shared some general tips for drivers as temperatures begin to plummet leading to more precautious road conditions.
"It is dangerous to assume that your car can handle all road conditions. Even the most kitted out four-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads e.g. fording rivers and driving through flood waters.
"Use your dipped headlights at all times so that others will see you.
"In severe weather, brake early and gently. It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet, icy or snow covered roads so slow down and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
"When temperatures drop watch out for "black ice." If the road looks polished or glossy it could be, "black ice” one of winter's worst hazards. Watch out for black ice, especially in sheltered / shaded areas on roads and under trees. It can take up to 10 times longer to stop on ice.
"Check your owner’s manual and find out if your vehicle has any safety assist technology like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti Lock Braking System (ABS).
"Know how they help your driving in severe weather conditions. But don't let these lull you into overestimating your vehicles ability to handle severe weather driving.
"If another vehicle coming towards you seems to be out of control on snow or ice take care not to react suddenly, gentle braking is even more important in such conditions. Do not brake and steer at the same time."
For more information, you can read their entire booklet, found here.
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