The Road Safety Authority (RSA) urged Irish motorists to exercise caution when driving abroad after new figures published today reveal 12 Irish people have been killed in road crashes in Australia since 2007.
With the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) predicting that up to 100,000 people will emigrate from Ireland in 2010 and 2011 the RSA said road safety should remain a priority.
The RSA said drivers should be aware of the risks associated with driving in an unfamiliar country and familiarise themselves with the law in other countries
RSA Chief Executive Noel Brett said: “Our message to anyone who may be travelling abroad, either for a short holiday or a longer trip, is to be safe on the roads wherever you are.
“Don’t take advantage of the law just because you’re abroad…road deaths happen everywhere but they can be prevented with the right behaviour,” he added.
The RSA advised anyone planning to drive abroad to:
- Familiarise yourself with the rules of the road of the country you will be visiting;
- Don’t drive after a long flight when the risk of falling asleep at the wheel will be significantly higher;
- Make sure your driving licence is valid for the country you are visiting. Some countries may require an international driving licence;
- Know the law of the country you will be visiting as the penalties for road traffic offences could be more serious;
- Don’t carry more passengers than the vehicle allows;
- If you buy a vehicle while abroad, make sure you know the history of the vehicle, ensure it has the equivalent to the Irish NCT, has seatbelts fitted for every passenger and ensure that every passenger wears them;
- Never ever drink and drive, regardless of the law.