Mistakes To Avoid Driving In Ireland – All You Need To Know

It’s such a safe country that it was recently voted as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Driving in Ireland is a great way to see the country and its beautiful scenery, but it’s important to be aware of the 10 common mistakes that visitors make when driving in Ireland. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip to the Emerald Isle without any hassle.

The Most Common Mistakes To Avoid Driving In Ireland

Driving in Ireland is different from driving in other parts of the world. In Ireland, you must drive on the left side of the road. This can be a bit confusing at first, but eventually, you’ll get used to it. It’s important to be safe when you’re driving in Ireland, and there are a few things you should avoid doing if you want to stay safe on the roads. Here are 10 mistakes to avoid:

1.Driving Too Fast

Driving too fast is one of the drivers’ most common mistakes in Ireland. Not only is it a dangerous habit, but it also wastes time and can cause serious accidents. Ireland has some of the most scenic roads in Europe, but they’re also very narrow and winding. This makes it difficult for drivers to drive at a safe speed, especially when traffic gets congested. The average Irish driver travels just 58 km/h (36 mph) on the country’s highways – which is well below the 60 km/h (37 mph) speed limit. It considers a traffic offense and can lead to fines and/or jail time.

2.Driving Without A Valid License

Driving without a valid license in Ireland is a criminal offense that can lead to serious consequences. You’ll be subject to various penalties if caught driving without a valid license. These penalties range from a fine of up to €5,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. In some cases, the court may also order you to perform community service.

It’s important to remember that driving without a valid license is not just an offense; it’s also extremely dangerous. If you get pulled over, and there’s even the slightest suspicion that you’re not licensed to drive, don’t take any chances – turn yourself in immediately.

3.Driving Without Insurance

Driving without insurance can lead to serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and even death. If you pull over for a traffic violation in Ireland and don’t have valid insurance coverage, the officer may issue you a fine. The fine will depend on the severity of the infraction, but it’s usually around €200. If you refuse to pay the fine, then you may be subject to further legal action.

In some cases, driving without insurance can also lead to imprisonment. This is especially true if you’re caught driving with a revoked or suspended license. In such cases, you could face up to three years in prison and an unlimited fine. Finally, your liability will be extremely high if you involve in an accident while driving without insurance. This means you could end up paying for everything – including damages to other cars and injuries sustained by passengers or pedestrians.

4.Speeding

Driving at a speed that’s too fast for the conditions is one of Ireland’s most common traffic violations. It can lead to fines of up to €5,000 and imprisonment for up to 12 months. In some cases, the court may also order you to perform community service.

If you get caught speeding, don’t take any chances – turn yourself in immediately. You won’t be able to avoid punishment by pleading guilty; rather, you’ll have to go through a full judicial process. Your driving record will reflect the infraction, and you could have a lower credit score.

5.Failing To Maintain A Proper Distance Between Vehicles

When driving in Ireland, keeping a proper distance between vehicles is important. This is especially important when driving on the freeway, as there limit lanes and lots of traffic. If you’re not keeping a safe distance between your vehicle and those around you, you could easily end up in an accident. The Irish Road Safety Authority reports over 2,200 fatal accidents each year in Ireland due to driver negligence.

To avoid this kind of tragedy, keep your eyes open while driving and obey all traffic signs and regulations. Stay aware of other drivers and their surroundings, and don’t cross the center line or ignore red lights. If you get into an accident, do everything you can to minimize its impact on others.

6.Allowing Your Car To Get Too Close To Other Vehicles

One of the common mistakes people make is allowing their car to get too close to other vehicles. This can lead to accidents, and it’s unsafe for you or the other drivers involved. Instead, maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) between your car and the objects closest to it. If you’re driving on a highway, make sure that your car stays at least 3 meters (10 feet) from any object or person on the side of the road.

7.Passing On The Left When It’s Not Safe To Do So

When driving in Ireland, it’s important to be aware of traffic laws and obey them at all times. Tourists make a few common mistakes when driving in Ireland, and passing on the left when it isn’t safe to do so is one of them. When roads in Ireland are often narrow and winding, drivers will try to pass on the right. However, this is not always safe or legal, as it can lead to dangerous accidents. When passing on the left instead, you’ll still be traveling at a reasonable speed and won’t put yourself or other drivers in danger.

8.Making Illegal Turns Or U-Turns

It’s illegal to make a U-turn or another illegal turn in Ireland. You’ll issue a fine if caught doing this and may even have your driver’s license suspended. When making a U-turn, always try to do it safely and slowly so as not to cause any accidents. Always use the right-hand lane when turning, and stay within the speed limit. And finally, always drive defensively – avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

9.Not Wearing A Seat Belt

When driving in Ireland, the most important thing you can do is wear a seat belt. This isn’t just for your safety; it’s also for the safety of other drivers and passengers on the road. Wearing a seat belt reduces your chances of being injured in a car accident and prevents other people from being injured too. That’s because seat belts distribute a person’s weight evenly across their whole body, reducing the chances of them sustaining serious injuries in a crash.

If you’re ever pulled over for not wearing a seat belt, remember that fines can range from €100 to €5,000 – and even imprisonment may be an option if you’re caught driving without a valid license or insurance. So please always wear your seat belt while driving in Ireland.

10.Distracted Driving

Not just in the U.S., distracted driving is a major problem but also an issue in Ireland. It’s one of the top five traffic offenses here. Distracted driving is driving while focused on something other than the road. This can include using cell phones, watching videos, or reading texts. It can also involve doing anything that takes your attention away from the task of driving, even if you’re only momentarily distracted.

The consequences of distracted driving are devastating: it leads to more accidents, injuries, and fatalities than any other type of traffic offense. And because Irish roads are often windy and hilly, distractions like this can be doubly dangerous.

Conclusion

Driving in Ireland can be a really fun experience, but it’s important to remember that driving rules and regulations are still in place. Driving in Ireland can be a bit of an adventure. The roads are winding and hilly, and the traffic is often chaotic. But don’t let all the chaos scare you – learning how to drive in Ireland will soon become second nature.

If you don’t know the local driving laws, then it is best to stay safe by following the instructions of the police or traffic officials. Driving in Ireland can be a great experience if you know the right tips and tricks. However, a few common mistakes tourists make can quickly ruin the trip. Avoid these mistakes and have the best time while driving in Ireland.

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