Just like having reliable car insurance, a valid NCT certificate is required for driving a car in Ireland and shows that your car is roadworthy. Our essential NCT Checklist covers your most commonly asked questions about the NCT. Have a read below and make sure you don't miss out on anything before your next test date. What is the National Car Test (NCT)? The National Car Test (NCT) is a compulsory car examination programme in Ireland since 2000. The scheme aims...
With Halloween just around the corner, it's not just ghosts, goblins or ghouls you need to be on the lookout for on our roads. For drivers, this can present a unique set of challenges and it's important to be extra cautious, especially in residential areas where trick-or-treaters are out and about. Whether it's children and parents trick-or-treating or people heading to parties and other festivities, Halloween tends to bring with it an influx of pedestrians. The changes in the season...
Halloween is a time of spooky fun but it also presents unique challenges for parents and homeowners, especially when it comes to protecting your home and family against potential hazards and unwanted surprises. From fire risks posed by decorations and safeguarding your little ones to protecting your home from vandalism, here are a few ways to keep the ‘tricks’ away this Halloween: Trick-or-Treat Safely Parents should actively monitor their children's trick-or-treating to make sure they are safe. Set clear boundaries...
Halloween is thought to have originated in Ireland & Scotland when the Celtic people celebrated the Ancient Festival of Samhain. The Pagan Festival of Samhain (summer’s end) was held around the end of October to mark the end of the summer months, the harvest and the beginning of winter. Halloween's Celtic Origins What we celebrate today as Halloween traces its origins back roughly 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Samhain was one of four seasonal festivals observed by the...
Having penalty points on your license can affect your car insurance in a few different ways. If you're renewing or looking to take out insurance, penalty points on your license can lead to an increase in your premium or in certain cases might even make difficult for you to find cover altogether. That's one of the reasons why it's important to keep your driving record clean. Below, we'll take a closer look at how penalty points can affect your car...
Distracted driving is a significant issue affecting road safety in Ireland. An Garda Síochána road policing data reveals that over 25,000 drivers were caught using a mobile phone while driving in 2024. While research from the RSA shows that 6% of drivers were observed using a mobile phone while driving in the same year. It's crucial that drivers understand how distractions impact driving and what actions you can take to stay focused behind the wheel. Below we will look at some...
Child safety when driving is the highest priority for each and every parent. Children are some of the most vulnerable passengers on the road. According to data from the RSA, 68 children lost their lives on Irish roads between 2014 and 2023, with 980 more being injured during the same period. In Ireland, there are strict laws for children travelling in cars and around the use of car seats to ensure child safety. Understanding these laws and regulations can significantly increase...
As a pedestrian on Irish roads, your safety depends on both your actions and those of drivers. In this guide, we'll provide some resaech backed tips and insights to help you navigate the streets safely. Pedestrians as Road Users Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users. Unlike drivers, pedestrians and cyclists rely entirely on their awareness and good road safety practices to keep themselves and others safe. Being alert, visible, and following road safety advice can significantly reduce the...
Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself while travelling in a vehicle. Many injuries and deaths that occur on Irish roads may be prevented if drivers and passengers were correctly wearing a seatbelt, or secured in a child car seat. As part of our Irish Road Safety Week campaign, we want to highlight why seatbelt safety matters and look at how you can keep yourself and your passengers safe and secured every...
Driver fatigue is one of the most serious dangers on Irish roads, yet it is one of the most overlooked and is a major factor in a significant number of road collisions every year. Being tired behind the wheel dramatically impairs your concentration, slows your reaction time and can lead to drivers nodding off without realising. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) estimates that fatigue is a contributing factor in as many as 10-20% of road traffic collisions, and is associated...
