PSNI issues July weather warning after sudden downpour forces car off road

It's rare for police in Northern Ireland to issue a warning about driving in adverse weather conditions in the height of summer but that's exactly what happened on Thursday.

The PSNI has urged drivers to be mindful of sudden changes in weather conditions after a driver in Co Antrim lost control of their vehicle and went off the road before crashing into a fence.

It happened after a spontaneous downpour of rain on the A8 dual carriageway toward Ballynure. Officers on mobile patrol at the time came upon the car that had just come off the road with the driver still inside. Thankfully the driver was uninjured and was able to walk away without a bump or bruise.

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Posting on the NI Road Policing and Safety page on Facebook, a PSNI spokesperson said: "Folks – In typical Northern Irish fashion we need to discuss driving in adverse weather conditions…in July!

"Officers from the Safe Transport Team were on mobile patrol today along the A8 dual carriageway toward Ballynure when they spotted this vehicle that had just come off the road with the driver still inside. Thankfully the driver was uninjured and was able to walk away without a bump or bruise."

They added: "This incident was caused by aquaplaning that had occurred after a spontaneous downpour of rain on the carriageway resulting in the driver losing control of the vehicle and consequently going off road before crashing into a fence.

"This is a timely reminder for all of us to bear in mind sudden changes in weather conditions when driving and how this may affect your ability to drive. Please be mindful of your speed, always wear a seatbelt and remember that speed limits are limits and not targets."

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