Snow & Ice Advice

If your home, route to work or housing estate is affected by snow and ice, you'll find some useful information in this section. For more on gritting, footpaths etc., see this section.

Our Emergency Contact Numbers are as follows :
051-849862/849589, during office hours. 051-875555 outside office hours.
Driving in Snow & Icy Conditions
  • (1) Tyres
  • The only contact your car has with the road is through your tyres. Check your tyres, including the spare wheel, and replace them if the tread depth falls below 3mm.
  • Check that tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.
  • Drive slowly, in the highest gear possible, manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking.

  • (2) Mirrors and Windows
  • Ensure mirrors and windows are free of frost and fog before starting your journey.
  • Always carry a screen scraper and de-icer.
  • Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of an anti-icing fluid.

  • (3) Lights
  • Check your lights to ensure that all bulbs are working.
  • Make sure light covers are clean and free from frost and snow.
  • Use your dipped headlights so that other drivers will see you.

  • (4) Road Conditions
  • In bad snow and ice, only drive if it is essential to do so.
  • If driving, try and wait until the snow plough and/or gritting truck has had a chance to clear and treat the road.
  • Drive gently, slowy and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front.
  • Avoid oversteering and avoid harsh braking / acceleration.
  • Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin, but use a low gear when travelling down a hill.
  • Watch out for black ice, especially in sheltered / shaded areas on roads, under trees and adjacent to high walls.

  • (5) Skidding
  • If you get into a skid, you need to engage the car's ABS (Anti- Lock Braking Systems). Older vehicles may not have this system in place, so it is important you know if your car does or not.
  • With ABS brakes, you need to first step on the brakes, then keep pressure on the brakes until you feel the brakes "pulse" - this is normal - then steer gently around the obstacle or away from danger. A little bit of steering goes a very long way in an emergency.
  • Without ABS brakes, pump the brakes gently and repeatedly to allow your tyres to grip the surface.

  • (6) Preparedness - What should I have in my vehicle ?
    In prolonged bad weather, or snowy driving conditions you should have the following in the boot :
  • A working flashlight and extra batteries.
  • High Visibility Vest / Clothing / Hazard Warning Triangle.
  • A tow rope.
  • A shovel, for clearing snow.
  • A First Aid kit.
  • Matches and a candle(s).
  • Spare fuel.
  • Appropriate footwear and clothing/blankets, woolens etc.
  • Adequate food/water.
  • Conside carrying some sand/salt, in case you get stuck.

 
Emergency Contacts
During office hours, please call the Roads Dept. on 051-849862
or 051-875555 Out of Hours only.

© Copyright 2011. Waterford City Council.