Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Road Safety Alert - Strong Winds

Met have released an orange weather warning for this evening, as strong gale force winds are expected, it is VERY windy out there at the moment. In case you're wondering what an orange alert is:

"weather conditions which have the capacity to impact significantly on people in the affected areas. The issue of an Orange level weather warning implies that all recipients in the affected areas should prepare themselves in an appropriate way for the anticipated conditions"

This weather warning is for the country so everyone should take note.  Weather warning levels are explained by met HERE.

Some advice for drivers from the RSA (The severe weather advice on the RSA website is great also check their Facebook and Twitter pages) 

Beware of objects being blown out onto the road. Expect the unexpected.
Watch out for falling/fallen debris on the road and vehicles veering across the road
Control of a vehicle may be affected by strong cross winds. High sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to strong winds
Allow extra space between you and vulnerable road users such as cyclists and motorcyclists
Drive with dipped headlights at all times
Monitor radio weather broadcasts while travelling

Advice to Pedestrians & Cyclists;

Be seen. Wear bright clothing with reflective armbands or a reflective belt
Take extra care when near traffic or crossing the road in extremely windy conditions as a sudden gust of wind could blow you into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Walk on a footpath, not in the street. Walk on the right hand side of the road, facing traffic if there are no footpaths

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