Drug driving

Although drink-driving has been the scourge of Garda, motorists and pedestrians alike for many years - it seems there is a very worrying increase in another risky practice - drug-driving.
It has been around for years but it seems that it´s becoming more and more common amongst young drivers.
One of the main problems of catching drug drivers, is that unlike alcohol, it isn´t always apparent that the driver is under the influence. It also depends on what drugs have been taken. For the Garda  enforce the law they have to reply on a physical assessments done on the spot.


The Law

The law is quite clear. Under the Road Traffic Act 1994, driving under the influence of an intoxicant is illegal. An intoxicant includes alcohol and drugs. Drivers on long-term medication (and those suffering from certain conditions) require certification from their doctor that they are capable of driving, so that a licence can be issued. But of course after that, the responsibility largely rests with the driver to be careful and sensible, recognising especially that mixing alcohol with prescribed medication can be lethal.

Drugs can affect your driving in the following ways:

• Slower reaction times

• Poor concentration

• Sleepiness/fatigue

• Confused thinking

• Distorted perception

• Over confidence,so you take unnecessary risks

• Impaired co-ordination

• Erratic behavior

• Nausea

• Hallucinations

• Blurred vision/enlarged pupils

• Aggression

• Panic attacks and paranoia

• Tremors

• Dizziness

• Cramps

Older Drivers

Older Drivers

Driving is more complex and demanding than it used to be. There's considerably more traffic on the road and motorists have to process more and more information both inside and outside the car.
The over 50 motorist brings a wealth of experience, confidence and tolerance to their driving. However, as you grow older, your ability to interpret the movements and intentions of other drivers and reaction to situations gradually changes.

Your sight, hearing and judgement of speed may not be quite as sharp as they were when you were younger. Stiffening joints may make it difficult to turn your head to check blind spots or keep a check on vehicles either side of you. These changes occur so gradually, that you may not realise they're happening. By taking even greater care and adjusting your driving habits to compensate for any deterioration in your eyesight and judgement, you can drive safely and confidently well into your later years.

What can We do

What can older road users do

Try putting into practice the 7 basic principles of defensive walking:

• Avoid rush hours and avoid going out when it is dark or in bad weather

• Choose the safest time possible for your journey

• Plan the journey and cut down the number of times you have to cross the road

• Wear bright clothing so that you can easily be seen

• For the safest place to cross, and preferably use a protected crossing, Pelican, Zebra, or footbridge.

• Cross where you have a good view of traffic. Cross with a group of people if you can

• Carefully check the speed of approaching vehicles. If in doubt do not cross

• Even if the speed limit is 50kmh, cars may be going much faster

• Check for vehicles which may turn unexpectedly towards you

• Will a stationary car move off? Is it a one way street? Are any cars signalling or slowing down to turn in front of you?

• Check that the driver is doing what you expect them to do

• Is the car stopping at a pedestrian crossing? Will a signalling car turn?

• Check that the driver has seen you

• Do parked cars make it hard for you to be seen? Try making eye contact with the driver. At night cross near a streetlight

• Due to the ageing process, driving abilities deteriorate from around the mid fifties onward

• Poor eyesight can cause the older road user to be involved in collisions. Road users need to see as well as be seen 

Pedestrian

Pedestrian deaths account for 1 in 5 deaths on our roads. Walking is a every day activity for most people.Walking ,even recreational walking involves mixing with other pedestrian's cyclists and motorists.Pedestrians need to behave responsibly,exercise care and not endanger or inconvience other users of the road when walking.

Walking beside or along a road.

• If there is a footpath you must use it.
• If there is no foot path,you must walk as near as possible to the right hand side of the road facing the oncoming traffic.
• Do not walk more than two abreast.If the road is narrow or carries heavy traffic you should walk in single file.
• You should always wear reflective clothing when walking outsidebuilt up areas at night.
• You should always carry a torch when walking at night.

For more information on roadsafety log on to www.rsa.ie

Crossing the road

• Look for a safe place to cross.
• Stop and wait near the edge of the road.
• Look right and left and listen for traffic.
• Let any traffic travelling in each direction pass and than look right and left again.
• Quickley walk across the road when it is clear.
• While crossing continue to watch and listen for traffic coming.

• Dont cross at a corner or bend in the road.
• Dont cross near the brow of a hill.
• Dont cross near or at parked vehicles.
• Dont cross where there are guard rails along the footpath.
• Dont run across the road.

 for more information on roadsafety log on to www.rsa.ie

Safe crossing places.

Zebra Crossing

This is marked by yellow flashing beacons.The actual crossing area is marked by black and white zebra stripes.Drivers must let you cross.As they approach the crossing,they should slow down and be prepared to stop.You do not have the right of way over other traffic until you actually  step on the zebra crossing.Never step,onto the crossing if this would cause a driver to break or swerve suddenly.If there is a central island ,treat each side as a seperate crossing.Always watch carefully for approaching traffic.Place one foot on the crossing to indicate that you wish to cross.

Pedestrian Lights

Pedestrian lights consist of a set of traffic lights for drivers and a set of light signals for pedestrians.When you press the button the lights for the oncoming traffic will turn red after a short while.While the "red man " light is showing you do not cross.When the "green man" light is showing you can then cross carefully.If there is a central island at the pedestrian lights, the "green man"light will only allow you to cross as far as the island.You must press another button before you can cross the rest of the way.For vision- impaired pedestrians an audible bleep signal or vibrating panel on the push button may be in place to indicate when it is safe to cross.

Pelican Crossing.

At this crossing, an amber light will flash for a short while after the red light for drivers goes out.Similarly,the "green man" light for pedestrians will flash for a short time before changing to the "red man" light.A flashing amber light at a pelican crossing gives priority to pedestrians.

Traffic Lights.


If you are crossing at traffic lights,but there are no signals for pedestrian,check the lights in both directions.When the traffic on the road you wish to cross is governedby a red light,cross carefully.Look out for traffic that might be turning onto the road you wish to cross and remember that some traffic lights allow drivers to proceed in some lanes when other lanes are stopped.Be especially careful at junctions with filter lanes

Do & Don’t...

Do... 

Do remain calm

Do make scene safe for you and others

Do access casualties for pain and visible injury

Do dial 999/112 for emergency services

Do use bystanders to assist you

Do keep airway open

Do stop severe bleeding

Do keep casualties warm

Do reassure casualties

Do you need help?

Do have a first aid kit

Don't...

Don’t put yourself in danger

Don’t let others do harm

Don’t move casualties unnecessarily

Don’t smoke or let others smoke

Don’t give anything to eat or drink

Don’t leave it to others………Do a first aid course!

Blind spot

What is a driver's "blind spot"?

The blind spot in your car is the big area around your car that you just can't see, even when your mirrors are properly adjusted. The blind spot around the average car is about the size of a large swimming pool, it is a huge area that you can't see. If you're driving your big rig trucks, you have got to be really careful because the blind spot around a big rig truck is huge. The rule of thumb is that if you can't see a driver, a truck driver in his or her rear view mirrors, they can't see you at all.

When driving, keep your eyes constantly moving, scanning the road ahead and to the side. Check your mirrors every five seconds or so. When using mirrors there is an area on each side of your vehicle where you cannot see. You may not see people or vehicles when they are in these spots.
Make sure you see other drivers and they can see you by doing the following:

• keep a clear view when driving. Do not put anything in your windows that will block your view.

• the windows should not be coated with any material that keeps you from seeing out in any direction. Neither should the windshield or front door windows be coated to keep someone from seeing inside the vehicle.

• check and adjust your mirrors and find your blind spots. Check your blind spots by turning your head to look over your shoulder before changing lanes, passing, turning or before opening your door when parked next to traffic.

• when making a lane change, check your mirrors for a space in traffic where you can enter safely. Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder in the direction of the lane change. Signal when you want to move left or right. Check again to make sure the way is clear and steer gradually into the new lane, maintaining the same speed or gently increase it.

• stay out of other driver's blind spots, especially large vehicles like trucks.

Driving under the influence

ALCOHOL is estimated to be a contributory factor in 37% of all fatal crashes (drunk drivers/riders and drunk pedestrians) and a factor in 62% of single vehicle crashes. One fifth of fatal road crashes that happen between 6AM and 12 noon are alcohol related.

Pedestrian alcohol is a factor in 38% of fatal pedestrian road crashes.

Just one drink impairs driving. This not a theory, it’s a scientific fact. A driver’s ability to judge distances is reduced. You are much slower at reading the road. You take too long to make vital decisions at the wheel. Your judgement is affected making you take more risks.

Safe driving requires clear judgement, concentration, and being able to react to what happens on the road.  Alcohol and other drugs affect all of these.


Alcohol is a drug that affects your skills, moods and behaviour.  Once it has been consumed the effects of alcohol on driving cannot be reversed.  The only thing that will sober you up is time.

Mobile Phones - avoid collisions

To avoid collisions  arising from the use of cell phones:

• Turn the phone off before you start driving.Let callers leave a message.

• If there are passengers in the vehicle ,let one of them take or make the call.If you're expecting an important call,let someone else drive.

• If you have to make or receive a call,look for a safe opportunity to pull over and park.

Driving is more demanding than you might think, especially in the first year or so after getting your driving test. You can't properly watch what other traffic is doing or see hazards developing if your attention is distracted talking to someone.

Safe Driving in the snow

Driving in the snow can be challenging,especially  if you are not used to the icy conditions.The following tips will  help prepare you and your car for the trip.

Before you go.

• Have your vehicle checked - Snow conditions may highlight any existing minor faults,so it is essential to thoroughly check your vehicle before leaving home.Have your tyres,battery,brakes,cooling system,engine and windscreen inspected. 

• Add anti -freeze - Add anti-freeze to yourn  engine radiator.You'll need to match the amount  of anti-freeze to the capacity of the coolant system.If it isnt done and the coolant freeze,the engine block and radiator may crack,leaving you stranded with an expensive repair bill.Most modern cars use coolant with wide temperature capabilities,but you'll need to check with your service provider if special coolant is needed.

• Prepare for emergencies- In case of an emergency carry a torch ,blanket,tow rope,and first aid kit.

On the road

• Watch your speed - Adjust your speed to the weather.Slow down when conditions deteriorate and proceed with caution,particularly in fog,Snow or ice conditions.

• Use fog lights or head lights - When the weather gets bad turn on your vehicles  fog or head lights.Other drivers will find your vehicle easier to see.

• Take care overtaking - Never overtake on a hill ,at a bend or at junctions.

• Dont tailgate - braking distances in snow and ice are increased compared to dry conditions.Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

• Brake and accelerate gently - Braking  should be gentle and early.When you accelerate,make sure you do it slowly.

• Obey traffic signs - Signs are there for your safety and convenience.Always obey the speed limit and advisory signs.

Driver Fatigue

Last year driver fatigue caused one in five fatal crashes on our roads. From a momentary loss of concentration to feeling tired or sleepy, driver fatigue can lead to losing control of your vehicle. The risk of a fatal fatigue crash is four times greater between 10pm and 6am than for the rest of the day.

Fatigue is a general term commonly used to describe the experience of being "sleepy", "tired" or "exhausted". Fatigue is both a physiological and a psychological experience.

Driver fatigue can severely impair judgment and can affect anyone. It is particularly dangerous because one of the symptoms is decreased ability to judge our own level of tiredness. Other symptoms vary between drivers, but may include:

yawning. poor concentration. tired or sore eyes. restlessness. drowsiness. slow reactions. boredom. feeling irritable. making fewer and larger steering corrections. missing road signs. having difficulty in staying in the lane. micro sleeps.

It is important to note that driver fatigue is not simply a function of time spent driving but relates to many factors including hours since last slept (hours of wakefulness) and time of day or night.


When?

High risk times for fatigue-related fatal crashes are:

Night-time/early morning

10pm-6am
Afternoon
1pm-3pm


Fatigue-related crashes at these times of the day coincide with dips in the body's circadian rhythms, which program us to feel sleepy at night when we would normally be asleep and to a lesser extent in the afternoon hours.

Fatal crashes identifying fatigue as a factor are more likely to occur during public and school holiday periods.  Nearly 30 per cent of all fatal fatigue accidents occur during public or school holidays.

Where?

Most fatigue-related crashes occur on country roads. In 1998-2002, 79 per cent of fatigue-related fatal crashes occurred on country roads.

Fatigue-related crashes also occur in urban areas. In 1998-2002, 21 per cent of fatigue-related crashes occurred on urban roads in Ireland.
Of all fatal crashes where fatigue was identified as a factor, 37 per cent involved head on collisions.

Driver Reviver / Rest Areas

To help reduce driver fatigue,.

STOP, REVIVE, SURVIVE

 Rest areas are places where you can park safely, get out of your car and refresh yourself before continuing your journey.  Rest areas are available 24 hours a day, all year round and are clearly signposted. Service centres, petrol stations, parks and country towns are other places you can stop and take a break from driving. Micro sleep

A microsleep is a brief and unintended loss of consciousness characterised by head snapping, nodding or closing your eyes for more than a couple of seconds. Microsleeps occur when you try to stay awake to perform a monotonous task such as driving.

Micro sleeps can last from a few seconds to several minutes and often people are not aware that a micro sleep has occurred.

During a 4 second microsleep a car travelling at 100km/h will go 111 metres while completely out of the driver’s control.

The sleep & wake cycle

The best way to prevent driver fatigue is to make sure you have enough sleep before driving regardless of the length of your trip. There are 3 sleep factors to consider before deciding whether or not to start driving.

1. Circadian rhythms

Circadian rhythms are physiological cycles that follow a daily pattern. We are "programmed" by our circadian rhythms to sleep at night and to be awake during the day.

During night time hours and to a lesser extent during afternoon "siesta" hours, most types of human performance are significantly impaired, including our ability to drive.

Problems occur if we disrupt our natural sleep cycles (eg by staying awake during the night), do not get enough sleep, or get poor quality sleep.Circadian rhythms cannot be reversed. Even if you have been working nightshifts for many years, your body will still be programmed to sleep at night.

2. Sleep debt

The human body requires a certain amount of sleep each night to function effectively. The average amount of sleep a person needs is 8 hours. When we   reduce the number of hours we sleep at night we start to accumulate what is called a 'sleep debt'.

Sleep debt is defined as the difference between the hours of sleep a person needs and the hours of sleep a person actually gets.

For example, if a person needs 8 hours of sleep per night but only gets 6 hours of sleep one night, they have a sleep debt of two hours. These lost hours of sleep need to be replaced.
When we have sleep debt, our tendency to fall asleep the next day increases. The larger the sleep debt, the stronger the tendency to fall asleep.

Sleep debt does not go away by itself. Sleeping is the only way to reduce your sleep debt.

3. Sleep inertia

Sleep inertia is the feeling of grogginess after awakening and temporarily reduces your ability to perform even simple tasks.
Sleep inertia can last from 1 minute to 4 hours, but typically lasts 15-30 minutes.
The severity of sleep inertia is dependent on how long you have been asleep and the stage of sleep at awakening.

Effects can be severe if a person is very sleep deprived or has been woken from a deep sleep stage. However, sleep inertia can usually be reversed within 15 minutes by activity and noise.
Sleep inertia can cause impairment of motor and cognitive functions and can affect a person's ability to drive safely.

Sleep inertia can be very dangerous for people who drive in the early morning hours and shortly after waking up from a sleep.