Road users are being urged to be extra cautious over the coming days due to poor weather conditions.
Met Eireann has issued a yellow weather warning nationwide for ice, sleet and snow and this is expected to last until Saturday. As a result, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is calling on people to be aware of weather conditions in their local area before setting out on a journey.
Heavy snowfalls are expected in Ulster, Connaught, west Munster and north Leinster and the RSA is reminding road users that heavy snow and rain can reduce visibility, making driving more hazardous. Drivers are urged to use dipped headlights in the daytime and to leave extra distance between their vehicle and the vehicle ahead of them.
"The best thing to do in extremely bad weather is to stay off the road. Take heed of warnings not to go out and travel only if absolutely necessary. This leaves the emergency services free to deal with real emergencies instead of rounding up stranded motorists caught in snow," the RSA said.
It also reminded pedestrians and cyclists to be careful, particularly around ice. It noted that many slips and falls can occur in areas that people usually consider safe and secure, such as outside the front door or on driveways.
For advice on travelling in severe weather conditions, including how to drive in snow, click here