Drivers in Northern Ireland urged to remain vigilant as snow thaws

Date: 10/12/2010

Officials have warned motorists in Northern Ireland to remain vigilant on the roads as melting snow and ice represent further dangers.

Noel Brett, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority, said there is a risk drivers will be lulled into a false sense of security as the weather begins to improve.

He reminded people roads remain highly dangerous across the country with patches of ice and snow.

"Slush will build up on the roads and they will become very wet; there may even be a risk of localised flooding," Mr Brett commented.

Combined with grit on the roads, this will make skidding more likely, he explained.

Assistant Commissioner John Twomey added he is appealing to all road users to take "extreme care" to ensure the festive season is "free from grief and tragedy".

The Met Office predicts temperatures in Northern Ireland will rise to highs of 8C today (December 10th) and tomorrow, but the weather will turn colder again moving into next week with widespread frosts overnight.

Posted by Sarah Bailey