AA Urges caution as Christmas Traffic Levels Peak

 

Motorists are being urged to drive with extra caution when commuting this week, as traffic levels peak ahead of the Christmas season.

While weather conditions are expected to remain largely mild, motorists are being advised that traffic levels will increase significantly towards the end of this week as a large volume of motorists undertake cross-country journeys to visit family for Christmas.

According to AA Ireland, traffic levels in Ireland have been at their heaviest in recent years and are unlikely to relent over the season. Though the organisation expects that commuter traffic will gradually tail off throughout the week as workers take time off over the festive period, it will likely be Christmas Eve before any major drop offs in traffic can be seen.

“We’re urging people to take extra precautions when driving over the coming days as not only will traffic volumes be significantly higher on motorways and in towns across the country, but you will also have a much larger number of motorists driving on routes they’re less familiar with,” says Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs.

“The key message is to slow down, allow extra distance between yourself and other traffic as those less familiar with a specific route could stop or turn unexpectedly, and of course be on the lookout for vulnerable road users when you are travelling this year.”

The AA is also reminding motorists who are planning a long-distance journey by car of the importance of car maintenance at this time of year and, in particular, to check that their tyres are in satisfactory condition.

Last year, AA Rescue, the organisation’s breakdown assistance service, attended an average of 315 breakdowns a day between Thursday December 21 and Saturday December 23, the peak driving home from Christmas window, and a further 243 and 67 breakdowns on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day respectively.

Meanwhile, between New Year’s Eve 2017 and New Year’s Day 2018, AA Rescue attended 402 car breakdowns.

“Before you undertake any lengthy journey we recommend that you check your windscreen washer levels, that all your lights and working and the condition of your tyres. Doing so will only take approximately 5 minutes of your time but will help you avoid delays on your journey and ensure you reach your destination safely.”