12 February 2012
RSA Urges People Unfamiliar With Motorway Driving Or Using Roundabouts To Take Special Lessons with their Local Approved Driving Instructor.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) today 13th February published a new booklet to help drivers use motorways safely and is also asking drivers who are unfamiliar with driving on a motorway or using a roundabout to consider taking some special lessons with a local Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) to brush up on their skills.
Ireland’s national road network has grown to 5,515 kms. This includes 1,187 kms of motorway network. Ireland now has a motorway network which connects all our major urban centres. There has been an increase in incidents involving motorists driving the wrong way around roundabouts, against the flow of traffic on motorways incorrect use of lanes, intersections and hard shoulders.
This changing road environment may pose challenges for some drivers who have no previous experience of driving on a motorway, using roundabouts or who may be put off by the high speed and multiple lane nature of these routes. It is very important that people understand the Rules of the Road when driving on motorways or using roundabouts. To address this, the RSA launched a major road safety awareness campaign last year to inform drivers on how to drive safely on a motorway and on the correct use of roundabouts. However, another practical step that drivers’ could take, especially if they are nervous about driving on a motorway / roundabout is to take some lessons with an RSA registered Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). ADI’s are fully equipped to teach people how to drive safely on a motorway and build driver competence in using roundabouts.’
“A few lessons with an ADI will give you the skills you need to feel confident when driving on a motorway or roundabout. Your local ADI will explain the rules, give you some practice sessions and equip you to use motorways and roundabouts with confidence. Money well spent and what better gift than the gift of some special lessons to make someone a safer driver,’ he added.
To find an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) near you, please visit: http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/Finding-an-instructor/Find-an-instructor/
Mr. Brett also took the opportunity to remind drivers never to stop their vehicle on a motorway, except in an emergency. “This could cause a collision and result in a major pile up. It’s unsafe to stop on a motorway hard-shoulder and it’s an offence. You should never, ever walk on a motorway. Pedestrians are at a massive risk on a motorway, they are putting their lives and the lives of all other road users on the motorway in danger too. He advised drivers to always plan their journey in advance. Purchase an up to date road atlas such as the Ordnance Survey Ireland version which includes the entire new motorway network. Know which junctions you wish to take and get into the correct lane in good time.”
In an effort to educate the general public in relation to safe motorway driving the RSA launched two major public awareness campaigns in 2011 (in May and November) in conjunction with the National Roads Authority and the AA. The campaign includes two TV adverts, a Radio advert and an online digital campaign. The campaign can be viewed at the following link http://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Road-Safety/Campaigns/Current-road-safety-campaigns/Better-Safer-Driver/
The RSA has prepared a number of Top Tips for Safe Motorway Use:
- Never, ever walk on a motorway
- Never, ever stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway
- Left lane for normal driving
- Keep lane discipline
- Keep your distance
- Do not drive in the hard shoulder
- Always obey the rules of the road in respect of Motorway driving
- Prepare for your journey
- In the case of an emergency use the SOS phone and wait behind the barrier
Always be careful and pay attention when joining a motorway;
- Check your mirrors and your blind spot while on the slip road approaching the motorway.
- Signal in good time before joining the motorway to let others know you intend to join the motorway
- Give way to traffic already on the motorway
- Change your speed to fit safely and legally into the traffic in the left hand lane.
The new motorway driving booklet is available to download on the RSA website from the following link; Motorway Driving Booklet.
For further information, please contact:
RSA Communications Department; 096 25008