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...

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. Understanding the warning...

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. This guide, part of the Irish Road Safety Week 2025 campaign, offers essential tips and insights to help you navigate 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...

It's dangerous to assume that your car can handle all road conditions or severe changes in weather. Driving can be a lot more complicated in the winter, thanks to the colder weather, icy conditions, fog and heavy rain. So, it's important to make sure that you and your car are ready.  Preparing your car for winter and autumn is about a few simple, proactive checks on its most important parts. Focusing on your battery, tyres, lights, and fluids can prevent...

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 2025 campaign, we want to highlight why seatbelt safety matters and look at how you can keep yourself and your passengers safe and secured...

This year's Road Safety Week kicks off with Tyre Safety Day, a timely reminder that your tyres are the unsung heroes of your vehicle, and play an important role in your vehicle's performance and safety. Your tyres are the only part of your vehicle that makes contact with the road; so their condition and maintenance should be a priority for all motorists. Taking a few minutes to check your tyres before setting off could be the difference between arriving safely and...

Checking your car's tyre pressure is one of the quickest and most important maintenance tasks you can do. It's something that a lot of drivers forget or even overlook but driving on tyres set to the correct pressure is important for your safety, your car's performance and even your fuel budget - did you know that a mere 10% drop in tyre pressure can result in a 2.5% decrease in fuel efficiency?  Tyre pressure is the air in your car's...

Losing your passport can be a stressful experience, especially if you plan to travel soon. If you're an Irish citizen and you've lost your passport, don't worry - there are steps to get a new one and continue with your travel plans.  In this blog post, we'll explain what you should do if you've lost your Irish passport, answer some common questions about lost passports, and offer tips for preventing passport loss in the future. What to do if you've...