Road Safety Tips
Fatigue
Fatigue is a factor in many of the worst car accidents. To help avoid this:
- Ensure you have plenty of sleep before a long drive.
- Take plenty of breaks (it's best to actually get out of the car)
- Consider sharing a long drive with a companion
Leave enough distance between you and the car in front to ensure you give yourself enough braking distance in the event of that car stopping suddenly. Beware that if you drive an older car or find yourself in wet conditions it's going to take you longer to stop.
Speed
Speed is the biggest killer on Irish roads. Stay within the speed limit and be especially careful when driving on narrow country roads (where most of the worst accidents happen).
The faster you are travelling the:
- Less time you have to notice and react to potential hazards
- More likely you are to lose control of your vehicle
- Longer your braking distance
Research shows that even small decreases in speed significantly reduce crash risk and injury.
12 midnight to 6 a.m
Most crashes happen between 12 midnight and 6 a.m so take most care during these hours.
Head restraint
To help prevent against whiplash in the event of a crash adjust your head restraint to eye level.
Children
Rather than allowing children sit in the front passenger seat insist they use the back seat and ensure they are properly restrained. It is now law that all children under the age of 12 must be in an appropriate child car seat.
Texting
Do not text while driving. Many accidents in recent years have been attributed to this.
Dims
It is a good idea to leave your dims on while driving during daylight hours. This makes it easier for other drivers to see you.
Car condition
Test your brakes regularly and keep an eye on tyre condition
