AA issues warning as rain affects Leinster roads

Heavy rain has affected motorists in Leinster and through parts of Munster today. Already there has been a significant increase in minor collisions, breakdowns and unfortunately there have also been two fatal incidents.
“Friday morning commuter traffic is normally lighter than the rest of the week but not today,” says Aoife Carragher, Head of AA Roadwatch. “In Cork a crash on the South Ring Road in very poor driving conditions resulted in extremely long delays. Similarly in Dublin city centre against the back drop of persistent rain two minor breakdowns brought traffic to a standstill. Fallen trees, overturned trucks, minor tips and any number of breakdowns have been the order of the day.”
When it’s raining journeys take longer; there are more people on the roads and everyone is going slower. Patience is essential during spells of poor weather and this will be required in abundance as further heavy rain is expected throughout the day and looking ahead to next week, the wellies may be called on again.
This week there has been a major change in the weather with rain spreading across the country. This has corresponded with the AA Rescue centre experiencing a huge jump in the number of callouts. The AA has predominantly dealt with minor collisions this week as drivers struggle to adapt their driving practices to the changing road conditions.
“It is essential for drivers to be aware of the change in conditions as they take to the roads. Speed is unfortunately still the most common cause of collisions so motorists need to slow down and to increase braking distances. It’s much darker out there so use your dipped headlights; this will improve visibility and it will make it easier for you to be seen by other vehicles, which is equally important,” says Aoife.