A joint campaign has been launched, aimed at reminding road users of the rules of the road when driving on Ireland’s motorway network.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA ), Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII ) and An Garda Síochána are reminding drivers to always drive in the left lane for normal driving on a motorway and to familiarise themselves on the rules for joining and leaving a motorway.
Road users are also reminded that it is an offence to stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway unless it’s an emergency (i.e. a breakdown ). If this occurs, you should call for help using your mobile phone or one of the emergency roadside phones, and wait at a safe place, behind the crash barrier.
If you find yourself driving against the flow of traffic, pull in immediately to the hard shoulder and stop. Contact the Gardaí by dialling 999 or 112. Do not attempt to turn your vehicle. Wait for help in a safe place.
“A key part of the government’s Vision Zero road safety strategy is safe road use. This includes educating drives on how to use motorways safely and the danger of using them incorrectly.
“The higher speeds on motorways mean that things can happen very quickly – a moment’s lapse of concentration could have severe consequences.
“If you are someone who does not drive on a motorway regularly or if you only recently passed your driving test, you should consider taking a practice lesson on motorway driving with an RSA registered Approved Driving Instructor," Sam Waide, CEO, Road Safety Authority, said.
"Motorists are urged to drive with caution as the current dry spell is expected to come to an end.
“When the rain falls, after a period of dry weather, the road surfaces become greasier than normal, which requires greater braking distances in order to slow down or stop safely.
"Motorists undertaking long motorway journeys are also reminded to avail of rest periods at the motorway service stations located along the network," Superintendent Thomas Murphy, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, added.
