IRISH road users have been warned to “exercise caution” this weekend as scorching temperatures take hold across the country.
Temperature warnings are in place across Ireland this weekend as Met Eireann predicts blistering summer temperatures of up to 29C.
A status yellow weather warning has been issued for 14 counties from Friday noon, with all counties set to fall under the same warning on Saturday.
The heat will likely have many outside looking to soak up the sun.
However, the RSA is advising road users to be aware of the dangers posed by glare.
Sun glare can cause drivers and pedestrians to become temporarily disoriented and blinded and can result in serious road accidents.
For drivers, they advise wearing sunglasses, staying hydrated and watching out for vulnerable individuals such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists while on the road.
Pedestrians and those on bikes are advised to be aware of the danger posed by glare, especially at junctions and to use plenty of sunscreen when outside.
According to the organisation: “Summertime is the most dangerous time of the year on our roads. In the summer, when there are no obvious dangers, and the weather is fine and days are brighter, we drop our guard.”
The HSE has issued similar warnings regarding the weather, asking people spending time outdoors to remember to protect themselves from the damaging effects of UV exposure from the sun.
They explain that most people living in Ireland have fair skin, which burns easily, and so are at high risk of UV damage and skin cancer.
Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy explained: “Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland with around 11,000 new cases per year.”
SHADES AND SUNSCREEN
She said: “Young people in particular need be extra vigilant when out and about this summer as one can be 2-4 times more likely to develop melanoma in later life if severely sunburned three or more instances before the age of 20.
“Reducing rates of skin cancer is a significant part of our drive to improve overall population health, and this starts by instilling good skin protection behaviours among our children and youth.”
The HSE recommends using the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5S’s to protect your skin from the sun.
That being, slip on clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.
The RSA and HSE have issued safety alerts to the public ahead of killer weekend temperatures[/caption]
