Explantion: When parking make sure you do not interfere with normal traffic flow and that your vehicle does not disturb, block or endanger other road users.
Explantion: Drivers who refuse to provide a Garda with a breath, blood or urine sample can, for a first offence, be disqualified from driving for four years. But you don’t need to be afraid of providing a sample if you have not been drinking. Please take time to consider the effect on your life and on your friends and family if you are banned from driving for any length of time.
Explantion: The pre-crash Report found that 83 passengers were killed in an alcohol related collision where a driver or motorcyclist had been drinking between 2008 and 2012. In addition, passengers who have been drinking may contribute to crashes, sometimes distracting the driver. Safe and socially responsible road use goes beyond the drivers themselves. If you want to stay safe, you must take responsibility for your own actions, especially as to how they might affect drivers and other road users.
Explantion: Use the windscreen wipers to keep the windscreen clear of rain, spray, snow or fog. Check them regularly to ensure that they are in good working order, and replace them when they become worn, before they become ineffective.
Explantion: All vehicles, including trailers, must have rear indicators, brake lights, a rear number plate light, red reflectors and rear tail lights.
Explantion: Alcohol affects everybody who takes it. The pre-crash Report found that 81 pedestrians killed during 2008-2012 had consumed alcohol. This shows us that no matter what kind of road user you are, you need to take care and avoid using the roads when you have been drinking.
Explantion: Before opening any doors, check for other road users nearby, in particular motorcyclists and pedestrians.
Explantion: The pre-crash Report found that passengers in the 17-24 age group are at the highest risk for drinking and driving and being involved in a fatal collision. All drinking and driving is dangerous but this age group is the most likely one to risk this behaviour. Researchers believe this risk is related to group pressure to behave in a certain way. Some of the factors that lead to a crash are:> Late night socializing then driving > Distracted driving due to a peer group in the car. Sometimes, a passenger will try to prove themselves to the others in a car, distracting the driver and putting everybody at risk.
Explantion: Before moving off it is advised to perform the ‘Safety Checks’ which includes the checking that all doors are safely closed.
Explantion: Drink driving is a killer behaviour. 330 collisions involved a driver, cyclist, motorcyclist and pedestrian who had consumed alcohol. The pre-crash Report found that the most common collision type – where alcohol is a factor – is a single vehicle collision. This suggests that a number of friends can add to the danger of distracted driving. Conversations going on in the car can distract the driver and affect everybody’s safety. The RSA recommend that you discuss the dangers associated with distracting the driver when you and your friends are not out drinking. That way you can have a sensible discussion with your friends. You may find that they share your concerns and want to get home safely
Explantion: When a learner driver is tested and has a Blood Alcohol Concentration level of over 80mg they face a driving ban of up to six years. So, think about that for a moment. How much do you depend on your car? Do you drive to work? Do family members depend on you for lifts? This can be all affected by you having a drink and then getting behind the wheel of a car.
Explantion: The figures speak for themselves: The pre-crash Report found that nine out of 10 drink drivers were killed when involved in a fatal collision. Drivers are affected by drinking even small amounts of alcohol. Alcohol affects your judgement, vision, co-ordination and reaction time, which in turn lead to serious driving errors.
Explantion: The pre-crash Report found that more alcohol related collisions occur on Saturday and Sunday compared to other days of the week.
Explantion: The pre-crash Report found that drivers aged 16-24 years were more likely to drink and drive and cause a fatal collision. However, drinking and driving at any age is dangerous. Researchers believe younger drivers are more likely to drink and drive because they are likely to socialise late at night and then drive, or have friends in their car who will distract them, or both. Sometimes a crash happens when a driver tries to prove to themselves or to their passengers how well they can control a vehicle at higher speeds. They are more likely to do this after drinking.
Explantion: Even if you are within the legal limit for drinking, your driving will be affected. The safest approach is to never drink and drive. In some cases, one drink may push a learner driver over the reduced Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level and lead to a three month disqualification from driving.
Explantion: If a tyre on the vehicle you are driving blows out, slow down gradually and find and suitable place to stop. Switch on your hazard warning lights and change the wheel or call the assistance.
Explantion: The pre-crash Report found that the number of fatal collisions where alcohol was a factor was about four out of every 10. Drink driving is a killer behaviour. Drivers take the risk despite the high death rates. The RSA believes that some drivers are not considering the consequences. Otherwise, they would never ever drink and drive. Alcohol affects your judgment. Even one drink, where you may still be below the legal limit, will alter your behaviour. There is no safe limit.
Explantion: The law sets different drink driving limits according to various categories of driver, with Blood Alcohol Concentration levels ranging from 20mg to 80mg. Learner or novice drivers are subject to the lowest drink driving limit.
Explantion: The function of the handbrake (or 'parking brake') is to stop the vehicle from moving when it is parked or when it is stopped on a hill. You normal use the handbrake when the vehicle is already stationary - you don't use it to stop the vehicle. It is even more important to use the handbrake when parked on a hill or when stationary in a vehicle with automatic transmission to prevent "creep". In most vehicles, the handbrake operates on the rear wheels only.
Explantion: The load index indicated the maximum weight that a tyre can support safely. When replacing a tyre on your vehicle, you should make sure that the new tyre maintains the proper load index for the vehicle.
Explantion: The law sets different drink driving limits according to various categories of driver, with Blood Alcohol Concentration levels ranging from 20mg to 80mg. Learner or novice drivers are subject to the lowest drink driving limit.
Explantion: The pre-crash Report found that the most common type of crash where alcohol is a factor is a single vehicle collision.
Explantion: The pre-crash Report found that more private car drivers take alcohol than drivers of any other type of vehicle before being involved in a crash. This means that if you arrange a lift home in a car, after socialising where drink was available, you are more likely to have a driver who has taken alcohol. That means you cannot take your safety for granted. Do what you can to protect yourself and other friends – including the driver.
Explantion: The pre-crash Report found that more male than female drivers drink and drive and are involved in a fatal collision in Ireland. This means you need to be careful who you accept a lift from – can you be certain that your friend has not been drinking before they met up with you? Be sensible and say no to a lift if you suspect your friend has been drinking and plans to drive. If in doubt, make other arrangements for getting home.
Explantion: The pre-crash Report found that between 2008 and 2012, at least 286 people were killed on our roads as a result of a driver who had consumed alcohol. Sadly, drivers still drink and drive. You can decide yourself or, better still, with your friends to never drink and drive. You can also decide to be careful about not distracting the driver while they are driving. It sounds simple – everyone should be able to do it. Discuss the issue and the consequences of drink driving when you are not out drinking. You owe it to yourselves, your friends and your families.
