Young Man Killed On Malihide Road

A man in his twenties has died after a serious road accident in Co Dublin

The 26-year-old male, who was sole occupant of the car, was seriously injured and brought to Beaumont Hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead at 2.00am in the early hours of this morning.

Gardai in Coolock are investigating the circumstances of the fatal single vehicle road traffic collision which occurred on the Malahide Road in Coolock.

The single vehicle road traffic collision occurred at approximately 1.15am between Belmayne and Campions Public House.

The road was closed for a Forensic Collision Examination and re-opened at 6.15amthis morning.

Meanwhile, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has today launched its 'Top 10 Safety Tips For Driving In Snow And Ice' after accidents began to escalate in the recent cold weather and difficult driving conditions.

A spokesman for the RSA said: "With temperatures set to remain well below freezing across many parts of the country at nighttime and stay very cold during the daytime, driving conditions are set to stay treacherous, for at least another week."

Detailing its advice on its website today, the RSA advice read:

• 1. Get a grip. Remember your only contact with the road surface is your tyres so it’s vital that they are up to the task in icy and snowy conditions. Check tyres, including spare wheel, to ensure minimum tread depth of 1.6mm and that they are inflated to the correct tyre pressure.



• 2. Make sure you can see. Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper and de-icer. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass. Replace windshield wiper blades if necessary. Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of an anti-icing fluid. Remember too that heavy snowfall will reduce visibility! Watch out for grit/salt spreaders and snow ploughs. The glare from the sun can be dazzling in the winter when the sun is low in the sky, so wear sunglasses in these conditions.



• 3. Check & use your lights. Use your dipped headlights so that others will see you. Make sure your headlights and taillights are all in working order, replace broken bulbs. Make sure lights are clear of snow.



• 4. Gently does it. Manoeuvre gently, slow down and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Too much steering is bad and avoid harsh braking and acceleration. Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when travelling downhill especially if through bends. Falling snow, fog, rain, or hail will reduces visibility. Do not hang on to the tail lights of the vehicle in front of you as it can give a false sense of security. When you slow down, use your brakes so that the brake lights warn drivers behind you.



• 5. Watch out for "black ice." If the road looks polished or glossy it could be, "black ice” one of winter's worst hazards: Black Ice is difficult to see! It is nearly transparent ice that often looks like a harmless puddle or is overlooked entirely. Watch out for black ice, especially in sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls.



• 6. Give yourself a brake. If you get into a skid, you need to know if your vehicle has ABS (Anti- Lock Braking Systems). After you "Step" on the brake the ABS begins cycling — you will feel pulses in the pedal or hear the system working. It's easy to properly use antilock brakes: Remember - Step, Stay and Steer. Step on the pedal. Stay on the pedal. Steer around the obstacle. (A warning: A little bit of steering goes a very long way in an emergency).
  
  For vehicles without ABS, you'll have to rely on the old-fashioned ‘Cadence Braking’ system: Push the brake pedal until the wheels stop rolling, then immediately release the brake enough to allow the wheels to begin turning again. Repeat this sequence rapidly. Your goal is to have the tyres producing maximum grip regardless of whether the surface is snow or ice.



• 7. How does your vehicle help? Check in 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) and know how they assist your driving in severe weather conditions. But remember technology offers no miracles. Don't let these lull you into overestimating the available traction.



• 8. Be Prepared! In prolonged icy or snowy driving conditions it is advisable to carry the following in the boot of the car; High Visibility Vest; Tow rope; Spare bulbs; Spare fuel; A shovel; Appropriate footwear in case you have to leave your vehicle ie boots; A hazard warning triangle; Spare wheel (with tyre at correct pressure and tread); De-icing equipment (Both for glass and door locks); First aid kit (in good order); A fire extinguisher (fully operative); A working torch; A car blanket, additional clothing & some food and water.



• 9. Get informed. Listen to local weather and traffic reports. The RSA has prepared a helpful guide 'Severe Weather Advice for Road Users' which has lots more useful advice on dealing with the difficult road conditions.



• 10. Stay at home. The best thing to do in extremely bad weather is to stay off the road. Take heed of warnings not to go out. This leaves the emergency services free to deal with real emergencies instead of rounding up stranded motorists.

(DW/BMcC)