Snow & Ice
If the roads become frozen or if there is a danger of ice, Waterford City & County Council's Roads teams grit the primary and secondary roads of the City and County. The winter maintenance gritting routes can be seen on this map and alerts regarding gritting are sent from our alerts service, MapAlerter. If your home, route to work or housing estate is affected by snow and ice, you'll also find some useful information in this section.
Driving in Snow & Icy Conditions
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.
Mirrors and Windows
Always carry a screen scraper and de-icer in your car. Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of an anti-icing fluid.
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 in daylight so that other drivers will see you.
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 on a slippery surface. Without ABS brakes, pump the brakes gently and repeatedly to allow your tyres to grip the surface.
Walking on snow or ice
No matter how well the snow and ice is removed from car parks and footpaths, pedestrians will still encounter some slippery surfaces when walking outdoors in bad winter. Avoid boots or shoes with smooth soles and heels, such as runners. Instead, wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice; boots made of non-slip rubber or with grooved soles are best. Wear reflective armbands or vests so drivers can see you. Assume that all wet, dark areas on footpaths are slippery and icy. Dew or water vapor can freeze on cold surfaces, forming an extra-thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that can look like a wet spot on the footpath, so Walk on designated walkways as much as possible.
Be Prepared - What to have in your car.
In prolonged bad weather, or snowy driving conditions you should have the following in the boot :
Is Your Journey Absolutely Necessary?
In bad weather conditions you should determine if making a journey by road is absolutely necessary. Consider delaying your trip until the weather and road conditions improve. If using the roads in bad weather is unavoidable, be prepared. The golden rule is to drive, cycle or walk with care and caution, and expect the unexpected.
