The rules of the road are for all road users – drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists,
horse riders, cyclists and people in charge of animals – for example, dog
walkers. You must have a satisfactory knowledge of these rules to get a driving
licence. Learning about road safety doesn’t stop once you pass a driving test. It
is an ongoing process.
The overall aim of this book is to promote safety, good driving practice and
courtesy in using our roads according to the law. It is an interpretation of the
law from a road safety point of view; it is not the law. If you have a query, you
should check the original legislation or ask a Garda.
You need to update your skills and knowledge and be aware of changes to road
traffic laws. This is why you should understand and obey these rules whether
you are learning to drive or have been driving for many years.
This book uses a ‘how to’ approach and covers many of the manoeuvres
identified as factors in road crashes. It uses three methods to set out clearly and
concisely how the law applies to all road users.
# It uses must and must not to draw attention to behavior the law clearly
demands or forbids.
# It uses terms such as should and should not to tell you how best to act in
a situation where no legal rule is in place.
# It illustrates and describes traffic lights, road markings and the signs used
to regulate traffic.
You play a vital role in preventing a crash. Knowing the rules of the road,
practising good driving skills and taking care as a road user will make road
safety policies more effective.
The more effective the policies, the greater the positive impact on you and your
family’s life, as well as the lives of others.
For example, a 5km/h difference in your speed could be the difference between
life and death for a vulnerable road user such as a pedestrian. Research shows
that when:
- hit by a car at 60kmh, 9 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed;
- hit by a car at 50kmh, 5 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed;
- hit by a car at 30kmh, 1 out of 10 pedestrians will be killed.
There are a number of skills expected of all road users, drivers in particular.
Drivers are expected to have:
- the ability to act responsibly;
- the ability to foresee and react to hazards;
- good concentration; and
- a good level of driving control and expertise.
In the interest of road safety, you need to be aware of the importance of gaining
a good knowledge of this book and putting that knowledge into practice.
The book covers the road traffic laws currently in force, but it will be updated
regularly to take account of new laws.
If you fail to obey the rules of the road, this does not automatically mean you will
be prosecuted. But, if you are involved in a civil or criminal court case, your failure
to obey the rules may be considered when deciding whether or not you are liable.
Over the years, the law on the use of the road has changed, and it continues to
do so. At its most basic, the law on the use of the road protects road users, and
it does so by virtue of three basic rules.
Rule one
You should always be able to stop within a distance you can see to be clear. You
need to be able to control the vehicle you are driving to the extent that you can
stop without causing a problem for anyone else on the roadway.
The rule means you must be alert and exercise due care and attention at all times.
Rule two
You should always take the prevailing road conditions into account. This is
common sense and means you must take account of any factors that will have
an impact on your ability to drive safely and securely on the road. For example,
the weather, the type of road, the condition of the road, the time of day, the
type of the lighting.
Rule three
You should always drive taking other users of the road into account. You need
to take account of all of the things that can change on any given journey.
For example, the volume of traffic and the speed of the traffic. Are there
pedestrians, cyclists, animals? What are they doing? You cannot predict what
others will do, and you shouldn’t assume that you have priority. You need to
make full allowance for all other users on the road.
Some road users may choose to ignore the basic rules, but you do so at your
peril. Ignoring the rules may create a dangerous situation which puts you and
your passengers and other road users at risk. It may result in you breaking the
criminal law and being prosecuted. If you are involved in a civil claim, a judge
can hold you responsible.
It is in your interest to follow the basic principles of road safety when on the road.
Observing these three basic rules will help to keep you, your family, friends and
other road users safe.
If you do not obey road traffic law, you could face a fine, penalty points and a
conviction in court.
You might also be disqualified from driving and, in some cases, have to serve a
prison term.
The road safety policies and laws in the country will work with the support of all
road users.
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