Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL has issued a warning to motorists about the dangers of driving around the times of sunrise and sunset.
In its warning, the council said countless collisions have occurred due to blind spots created by sun glare and the distance perception problems that are created.
Driving directly against the sun can also block peripheral areas of vision and cause sudden moments of blindness as the sun peeks out from behind surrounding objects, the council said.
Driving into the sunset might sound romantic, there are many hazards that drivers face every single day on the roads of Ireland, but sometimes it’s the most beautiful things that can cause the most problems – and that’s particularly true when it comes to the stunning but low autumn sun.
(Image: Mayo County Council)
Road safety officer Noel Gibbons said that while “we can’t change the position of the sun” or the need to travel at certain times, there are steps you can take “to ensure you’re prepared for these conditions”.
”Dirty windscreens add to the danger when the sun is low,” he advised. “If you can’t see, slow down accordingly, keeping an eye on the traffic behind, in case the following vehicle doesn’t see you against the sun. Also beware with these fine evenings there are more pedestrians and cyclists on the road.”
The council has these useful tips on hand for driving during these dangerous times:
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
My Dad was in Harold’s Cross the last week of his life following a cancer diagnoses a few months earlier. It gave him so much comfort, and us. We were able to stay with him at that time also with specialist care around him. It was so peaceful and we are so grateful to have been there. A home away from home in so far as it could be.
The care and kindness given by the wonderful staff in Carrick to my father and to all of our family in his last weeks was exceptional. We were deeply saddened to hear of the closure of this amazing facility. When so much money is wasted by the HSE and other government agencies, it is hard to understand how a service that provided this level of empathetic, dignified end-of-life care could be closed down. You could not really understand the value of hospice care until you see a loved one going through it.
have your say