Driving Safety Tips

The following is a list of helpful tips that we’ve put together for driving safely in Ireland.

Drive safely on the Left

The most important thing for visitors driving in Ireland is to remember to drive on the left hand-side of the road, and seatbelts must be worn at all times in the front and back of the vehicle. Most problems that arise do so either at junctions, when it is easy to momentarily forget and go to the right, or on narrow uncrowded roads where it is easy to drift to the right.

Roundabouts in Ireland

While getting used to driving on the left make sure to be especially cautious at roundabouts, particularly mini roundabouts which can often be found on the approach roads to many cities and towns. And remember always turn left into a roundabout Thereafter drive clockwise and give way to traffic on the roundabout. For more information on roundabouts see Driving School Ireland.

Do not turn right at a red light

While in some countries, including the USA, the general rule is that you can make a right turn at a red light provided the road is clear, this however is not the case in Ireland. You cannot turn left on a red light, ever. Read more about road signs at Driving School Ireland.

Narrow Irish Roads and Junctions

Many secondary roads in Ireland are quite narrow. It is especially easy when turning onto or off narrow roads to veer accidently to the wrong side of the road, especially when turning right.  Make it a habit to pause at junctions before you make a turn and think for a moment about where you want to end up on the new road. These are the situations where tourists most often have problems, so do be careful.

Pedestrian Traffic Lights

At a pedestrian traffic light, the flashing amber light means you must yield to pedestrians but may proceed with caution in the crossing is clear.