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HEALTH&HABITAT

Oct/Nov 2011 www.esb.ie/em

A DRIVING REMINDER stay safe on the road this winter!

SEASONAL & HAZARDOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS

Winter Driving Reminder

GRAINNE COOGAN

SAFE DRIVING

OVER THE LAST two years we have experienced harsh winter conditions here in Ireland that have caused major disruption for many people. From a driver’s point of view, getting behind the wheel in ice and snow poses a whole new set of challenges. It is possible that this winter we will see more of the same, so now is a good time to recap on some advice for winter driving.

Driving in severe weather should only be undertaken if absolutely essential.

You should ensure that your windscreen washer bottle is filled, with the addition of a suitable screen wash additive to prevent freezing. Due to the increased use of salt on the road by local councils you may have to clear the screen of residue more often during a journey.

Servicing and tyres

Have your vehicle fully serviced at the beginning of winter or at least winter checked - this will ensure your vehicle is in optimum condition. Well maintained vehicles are less likely to have difficulty coping with extreme weather conditions.

Pay particular attention to your tyres as winter approaches. Ensure that your tyres have sufficient tread depth and are in good condition. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, however, minimum tread depth, as recommended by the Gardai and the Road Safety Authority, is 3mm. The less tread depth you have, the longer it will take you to stop.

ESB ecars in the ice and snow.

Keep your distance.

Remember; “only a fool breaks the 2 second rule” say it twice in wet conditions and at least four times in icy or snowy conditions. Leave yourself more time to complete the journey.

When driving in the wet:

• Ensure your dipped headlights are on.
• Allow for increased stopping distances.
• Check that your wipers work efficiently.
• Use your vehicle’s demisting facilities to ensure that windscreens are kept clear.
• Never enter floodwater deeper than the centre point of your vehicle’s wheels. If you do enter water, drive at a slow speed, in first gear, keeping the engine revs constant and avoid changing gear. Once you have crossed through, test your brakes.

When driving in fog:

• Ensure your dipped headlights are on.
• Check your mirrors, slow down and keep your distance.
• Use fog lights if visibility is seriously reduced, but remember to switch them off when visibility improves.
• Use your footbrake lightly so that your lights warn following drivers.
• Don’t hang on the tail lights of the vehicle in front - this can give a false sense of security, resulting in driving too close.
• Even if fog seems to be clearing, don’t speed up suddenly - you may find yourself back in thick fog.

Ensure your dipped headlights are swtched on.

When driving in the wind:

• Be aware of the effects of crosswinds and turbulence.
• Make allowance for other vehicles, particularly those with high sides such as caravans, coaches and trucks. Give them a wide berth when overtaking.

Before driving on snow or ice:

• Warm up the vehicle before driving.
• Clear all the windows and exterior mirrors of snow and ice. Do not use windscreen wipers until windscreen is clear of snow.
• Use your ventilation system to keep your windows clear.
• If visibility is reduced, remember to use your headlights.
• Clear any build up of snow/ice from the vehicle, particularly from the roof of the vehicle.
• Ensure you have something to provide traction on icy surfaces e.g. old carpet.
• Conserve power; if all electrical components are in use, the battery is in high demand. Minimise use of electrics and if possible let the engine run for a few minutes at the end of the day, with no consumers on, to charge the battery.

When driving on snow or ice:

• Remember, take your time, get there safely above all else.
• Upon starting the engine, select second gear, ensure your wheels are straight and engage the clutch gently.
• Ensure your dipped headlights are on.
• Avoid sudden or harsh braking, steering or acceleration.
• If you experience a skid, remove the cause. This may be releasing the brakes, reducing the effect of the steering, or both.
• If your vehicle skids and slews sideways turn the steering wheel in the same direction as the skid and ease off the accelerator at the same time.
• Anticipate the actions of others early.
• Keep to the main routes where possible.
• Travelling very slowly is key to traction with 4×4 vehicles.
• Expect traction problems even on slight inclines or bends in the road.

For more information email safedriving@esb.ie or visit the Safe Driving Website: http://esbnet/safedriving

AFTER THE QUAKE

ELECTRICITY ABROAD

THE TOHOKU earthquake and tsunami last March, and the resulting reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima power plant, changed millions of Japanese minds on the subject of nuclear energy. Overnight, the national enthusiasm for nuclear power evaporated, replaced by a reenergised enthusiasm for renewable energy.

In August, the Japanese government passed legislation to give a major boost to the renewables industry, which now provides a mere nine per cent of Japan’s electricity. The laws become effective next July, but one man isn’t prepared to wait.

Masayoshi Son, Japan’s richest man, built his fortune in the telecoms and internet industries but as he watched the Fukushima disaster unfold, he says, he decided to turn his attention to electricity.

Son believes the meltdowns fundamentally shifted the politics of Japan’s energy future, but he makes the case for renewables from a purely economic standpoint.

“In 10 years or so, the cost of power generation using fossil fuels will surpass that of clean power,” he told the Asahi Shimbun newspaper. “That means renewable energy will be cheaper in 40 years of the next half-century. There is no doubt that Japan, which depends on overseas resources for 90 percent of its power supply, needs to increase energy self-sufficiency. There is only one answer to this problem.”

Backing his play with €100million of his own, Son announced in September the establishment of the Japan Renewable Energy Foundation, with the goal of replacing the country’s reliance on nuclear power with a 60 per cent contribution from renewable sources by 2030. He is calling on both government and other businesses to help provide the €20billion per year he believes will be required. He said, “There are few other industries with such a clear and certain growth prospect.”

India’s dilemma

India is at a crossroads. Although it is one of the world’s fastest growing economies, it is facing an accelerating energy crisis that could bring economic progress to a halt.

Charles Ebinger of the Brookings Institution participated in september’s World Energy policy summit in Mumbai. He reported that while India’s leaders understand the dangers of their situation, there remains a continuing lack of investment in the sector.

Despite ambitious plans for renewable generation – a goal of 20 per cent by 2020 – the government acknowledges that this target cannot be met due to the inadequacy of the national grid for carrying power from renewable resources to major load centres. The combined effects of inflation and recession, combined with a volatile political situation, make it unlikely that the government can achieve the necessary reforms.

So, while there is substantial growth in solar and wind generation, it appears likely to remain only a small fraction of India’s electricity production for the foreseeable future.

Europe’s green league table

Austria is set to lead Europe in electricity generation from renewable sources by 2020, according to the European Wind Energy Association.

The country is expected to obtain 71 per cent of its electricity from renewables by that date. Sweden is next in line at 63 per cent, followed by Latvia at 60 per cent, portugal at 55 per cent, and Denmark at 54 per cent.

Meanwhile, poland, the Czech republic and hungary are among the nations at the bottom of the table, expected to realise less than 20 per cent of their requirements from renewable sources.