Traffic

On this month’s traffic segment Crimecall went on patrol with Garda Adrian Corcoran and Gardaí from the Blanchardstown Divisional Roads Policing Unit and the Road Safety Association (RSA) as part of Tyre Safety Day (Wednesday 6 October 2021). 

Crimecall accompanied Gardaí as they carried out visual inspections on both domestic and commercial vehicles, while the RSA inspected heavy goods vehicles for tyre safety. 

Gardaí offered valuable advice concerning proper tyre safety, highlighting the main defects and warning signs when carrying out a tyre check. 

These include:

• - Over and under inflation of the tyre via pressure checks
• - Tyre tread depth checks and
• - Excessively worn / bald / cut or bulging defective tyres 

Gardaí reminded the public that they should always check the Tyre Manufacture Date Stamp when buying a second-hand car. If a tyre is over ten years old it will fail the NCT and if it is over six years old it qualifies as an advisory.    

Gardaí also conducted a series of tests to highlight the breaking stopping difference(s) between defective and legal tyres. 

Also on this month’s traffic segment Garda Adrian Corcoran outlined ‘Winter Ready’ advice to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians for travelling safely during the winter months. 

Winter Advice

For pedestrians and cyclists;

• - To be safe during winter months you must be seen. Ensure you have lights on your bicycle are that they are working correctly.
• - Pedestrians should carry a torch when walking during hours of darkness.
• - A Hi-Viz jacket is an essential piece of clothing which will make you more visible to other roads users.
• - Plan your route before your walk. Use footpaths where provided, if there is no footpath walk facing oncoming traffic and never walk on dual carriageways and motorways. Use pedestrian crossings when provided. 

Vehicle Advice

It’s so important to ensure that your vehicle is ‘winter ready’ and there are some checks you can carry out yourself as winter approaches;

• - Make sure all your lights are clean and in working order. It’s a good idea to drive using dipped headlights during winter even during the day as it increases your visibility to other road users.
• - Check coolant level and washer bottle. Add winter screen wash which will prevent washer jets from freezing.
• - Check oil levels and top up if necessary.
• - Check wiper blades for cracks or damage and replace if necessary.
• - Check tyres. Ensure they have adequate tread depth and are inflated to the correct pressure