Staying Safe This Christmas

Here at Compass Physio Enfield and Castlecomer we have put together a few quick tips to stay safe on the roads this Christmas and for once its not Physio related!

Road safety is something that we feel strongly about here at Compass Physio as we see the aftereffects of the minor impacts all the way through to the car accidents that lead to more serious injury.

The winter weather brings with it all kinds of potentially hazardous road conditions.

Quick Facts

Winter is the most dangerous period on our road. Severe weather conditions combined with limited daylight hours increases the risk of having a collision
December was amongst the busiest month for drunk-driving on Irish roads.
There are 40 days on average of ice per year.

Potential Hazards

Snow and ice covering ground
Patches of black ice
Wet pavements
Sleet and slush
Reduced visibility
Other drivers

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Check that your Tyres have good tread depth
Keep an ice scraper in your car at all times
Keep windshield washer fluid full
Have your vehicle serviced
Keep a first aid kit in your car
Never drive without a phone
Limit the time spent driving in the dark where possible

#1

Remember your only contact with the road surface is your tyres. Make sure they are up to the task. Ensure a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm and that they are inflated to the correct tyre pressure.

#2

Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out, carry a screen scraper. Do not use hot water on the windscreen as it can crack the glass. Make sure your windshield washer system is full of an anti-icing fluid.

#3

Check & use your lights. Use your dipped headlights so that others will see you. Make sure your headlights and taillights are all in working order, replace broken bulbs. Make sure lights are clear of snow.

#4

Take it handy, slow down and leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front. Too much steering, harsh braking and acceleration are risky in poor conditions. Use high gears where possible to avoid wheel spin. Select a low gear when traveling downhill especially if through bends.

#5

Watch out for “black ice.” If the road looks polished it could be, “black ice” one of winter’s worst hazards: Black Ice is difficult to see!

#6

Can your car help you? Vehicle safety assist technologies like parking sensors or lane keep assist can help in severe weather conditions.

#7

Be prepared! In prolonged icy or snowy driving conditions it is advisable to carry the following in the boot of the car, high visibility vest, tow rope, a shovel and a first aid kit.

REMEMBER TO BE INFORMED. LISTEN TO LOCAL WEATHER AND TRAFFIC REPORTS. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS OF WEATHER WARNINGS.

THE BEST THING TO DO IN EXTREMELY BAD WEATHER IS TO STAY OFF THE ROAD.

IF YOU HAVE ISSUES WHY NOT CONTACT US AT COMPASS PHYSIO, WHERE WE ARE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP.