Heavy fog has made driving conditions very dangerous today, and one motorist was clearly not taking extra care on the roads this morning.
A driver was travelling at speed on the M7 and didn't seem to notice that they had overtaken a garda car while on their journey. The car also had only one rear light working, which is extremely dangerous in foggy conditions.
A Garda jeep from Naas Roads Policing Unit pursued the car and fined the driver. An Garda Siochana tweeted: "Naas Roads Policing Unit were on patrol on M7 when they were overtaken at speed by car with one rear light In foggy conditions. They were stopped- the drive didn’t even realise they had overtaken Garda Jeep. They were fined. Please stay fully focused while driving."
Dublin weather LIVE: Severe fog over Dublin Airport as Met Eireann issues weather warning
Driving conditions are very dangerous today and Met Eireann has issued a Status Orange warning for freezing fog. The warning is now in place until midnight tonight and extends to multiple counties, including Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Carlow and all of Connacht.
The TII Motorway Traffic Control Centre has urged people to be vigilant of dense fog, which will make driving extremely hazardous this afternoon and evening. The Road Safety Authority have also issued the following warning as the dense fog causes issues for drivers.
"Freezing fog persists in many parts of the country today leading to very hazardous road conditions, particularly on minor roads. Slow down and drive a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Don't get caught out when sever weather strikes," the RSA posted on Twitter.
Here is advice from the RSA on driving in freezing fog:
In patches of fog, switch on fog lights where visibility is reduced. As you enter fog, check your mirrors and slow down. Use your foot brake lightly so that your lights warn following drivers.
To prevent windscreen wipers from freezing and seizing up in freezing fog, add anti-freeze screen washer to the water tank. Check that the wipers for wear and tear and replace them if they are.
Do not drive on the tail-lights of the vehicle in front. This can give a false sense of security and you will be too close to be able to brake safely. In heavy fog, turn off your radio and let down your driver’s window a fraction, so as you can hear other traffic.
Remember to switch off your fog lights once the foggy conditions improve.
Read more:
- Met Eireann reveals when coldest day will hit this week and issues Orange weather warning
- Dublin school closures update as cold snap brings dangerous conditions to capital
- Little known 'magic button' defrosts car windows in seconds
- Irish drivers could face €2000 fine for making one big mistake when defrosting car windscreen
- How to stop your pipes from freezing as snow and ice forecast for Dublin
