Explantion: Where there is mud on the road you should slow down and be aware that there is a danger of skidding. Your stopping distance will also be greater where there is mud on the road.

Explantion: As a proportion of all 867 fatal collisions analysed, 38% cited alcohol as the main contributory factor. Of this number, 29% involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with a record of alcohol consumption prior to the collision. This highlights the fact that a high level of drink driving is still evident in Ireland. FACT: All of these drivers were deemed culpable or part culpable for the collision through their behaviour on the road prior to the collision.

Explantion: Motor vehicles (except motorcycles) are required by law to have two headlights. A vehicle with only one headlight could be mistaken for a motorcycle and other road users could believe that it is in a different position on the road than it actually is. Vehicle lights should be checked on a regular basis and repair faulty lighting immediately.

Explantion: If your vehicle goes into a front-wheel sideways skid, release the accelerator and do not try to steer until the tyres regain some grip on the road.

Explantion: The driver should moderate their speed during heavy rain or where water is building up on the road surface. This will help to avoid ?aquaplaning? which has the effect of reducing the grip of the tyres on the road, and this affects the steering and braking. For these reasons the driver should slow down during and after rain and keep a greater distance from the vehicle in front.

Explantion: When you are passing parked vehicles, you should leave at least a door?s width of clearance in case somebody opens their car door unexpectedly, this will also increase visibility of pedestrians in the area.

Explantion: When driving on icy roads a driver should avoid harsh braking, steering and acceleration. This will help reduce the risk of skidding.

Explantion: If a driver is stopped at a roadside check, they should be aware that, along with the impairment test, Gardaí can also request a saliva sample if they suspect the driver is driving under the influence of drugs.

Explantion: You should always drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear. Being late for an appointment is no excuse for exceeding speed limits or for driving at an unsafe speed. Arrive alive.

Explantion: A learner driver needs to be aware of the legal requirements to display “L” plates front and rear and the implications of not doing so.

Explantion: On the approach to the brow of a hill you should be extra careful and be prepared to react to a change in the traffic situation.

Explantion: Even with the best headlights, drivers can see less at night than during the day. Pedestrians and unlit bicycles are extremely difficult to see in the dark, particularly if they have to deal with the glare of oncoming lights. Pedestrians should always wear bright and hi-viz clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night when walking outside built-up areas.

Explantion: Where oil is spilt on the road, your tyres will have reduced grip, and you might be at risk of skidding if you brake sharply. If you do come across oil on the road, brake gently and switch on your hazard warning lights for a short period to alert other traffic to the hazard.

Explantion: On approach to the brow of a hill you should be extra careful and be prepared to react to a change in the traffic situation.

Explantion: You should always read the road ahead and be prepared to react to the changing traffic situation. In particular, you should be aware that pedestrians might emerge at the rear of the bus. In this situation you should also look out for pedestrians making their way towards the waiting Bus

Explantion: If a driver misses their intended exit when driving on a motorway, they should proceed to the next junction exit where they can leave the motorway and then rejoin it in the opposite direction.

Explantion: When stopped at traffic lights and the green light comes on, you should check to ensure the way is clear and proceed only if it is safe to do so.

Explantion: You should never park on a footpath. Pedestrians (including people with young children in pushchairs, prams and also wheelchair users) might have to go onto the road to get around your car, and this could put them in danger.

Explantion: Drivers should use the main beam headlights, to improve visibility, when driving at night in unlit rural areas ? this will enable them to see as far ahead as possible. Making sure, however, that these lights are dimmed where necessary to avoid dazzling or inconveniencing other road users.

Explantion: If a rear tyre on the vehicle you are driving blows out, the vehicle may sway from side to side, and this will affect its stability. Slow down, pull in where it is safe to do so, and switch on the hazard warning lights. Change the wheel or call for assistance.

Explantion: When driving on a one-way street, you should be extra careful and should be prepared to react to a change in the traffic situation.

Explantion: Always read the road ahead and be prepared to react to any traffic situation. In this case, you should be aware that the heavy goods vehicle will need extra space to complete the left-hand turn and you should remain behind the vehicle until it has completed its turn.

Explantion: Drivers should be aware that no vehicle has an automatic right of way at a junction. Drivers must pay particular attention to vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists whose presence on the road may be less visible than other vehicle types due to their smaller size or obstructions.

Explantion: Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas emitted by vehicle exhausts into the atmosphere. Driving economically and keeping a vehicle well maintained can reduce the level of carbon monoxide emissions.

Explantion: Tyres have less grip on the road when it is wet or icy. Slow down in slippery conditions, and keep a greater distance from the vehicle in front.

Explantion: When you are turning right from a main road into a side road, you must give way to oncoming traffic on the main road even if they are turning left into the same road.

Explantion: If you wish to turn right at a set of traffic lights, drive into the junction when you see a green light, taking care not to block any oncoming traffic. Then complete the turn when it is safe to do so.

Explantion: A vehicle driving on the main road has priority over vehicles emerging from side roads. However, you must understand that the right of way is not an absolute right of way and you should be considerate of other road users at all times.

Explantion: When driving in slippery road conditions, drivers should be particularly smooth and gradual in the way they accelerate and brake. This will help to avoid skidding or slipping and helps to maintain control of the vehicle.

Explantion: When carrying children in a car or goods vehicle, it is the drivers responsibility to make sure that they are suitably restrained.

Explantion: The law allows for a driver to be tested at any time.

Explantion: A driver needs to know what to do when they see an emergency vehicle. A driver must react quickly, safely and carefully to allow emergency service vehicles to pass. It is important to be alert and attentive at all times.

Explantion: Children can be unpredictable. When driving at a higher speed and children are present, drivers must expect the unexpected, slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary.

Explantion: When road priority is unclear you might have to yield to oncoming vehicles. Never drive a vehicle into an area that it might not be able to clear or where it could cause an obstruction or bottleneck.

Explantion: When driving at night in good driving conditions the full headlights of a car will typically let you see 100 metres ahead. So, you should travel at a speed that allows you to stop in that distance.

Explantion: When making a left-hand turn on a busy city street, drivers should pay particular attention to vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists who may appear unexpectedly and may not be aware of the vehicle’s intention.

Explantion: It is essential that the vehicles engine is not over filled with oil as this can permanently damage the Catalytic converter which is part of most vehicles exhaust systems and removes up to 75% of the carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons from the vehicles exhaust. Damaging this increase exhaust emissions.

Explantion: When you are driving a tractor, you should be aware that tractors are less stable than other vehicles and take extra care when manoeuvring.

Explantion: When you are passing parked vehicles in a residential area, move into a safe overtaking position in good time and leave plenty of clearance between your vehicle and the parked vehicles to increase visibility of small children in the area and in case someone opens their car door in front of you.

Explantion: On the approach to the brow of a hill you should be extra careful and be prepared to react to a change in the traffic situation.