RSA Issues Emergency Advice for Drivers Encountering Wrong-Way Vehicles

The Road Safety Authority has issued emergency advice for motorists who encounter a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction on a motorway, setting out what drivers should do both if they meet a wrong-way vehicle and if they find themselves driving against the flow of traffic.

The advice follows a fatal collision on the M9 in Co Kildare, in which a vehicle was driven the wrong way along the motorway before striking a second car head-on.

Gardaí in Athy said they were alerted to a vehicle travelling southbound on the northbound carriageway of the M9 at approximately 3am on Sunday 16 August. The vehicle was driving on the M9 between junctions 3 and 4 when a head-on collision occurred with a second car.

In a statement issued on 16 August, Gardaí said a number of fatalities had occurred and that no further details were available at that time. A statement issued by the Government Press Office the following day confirmed that five teenagers had lost their lives.

The female driver and the front passenger of the second car, both aged in their 30s, were removed from the scene to Tallaght University Hospital, where both remained in a critical condition. A female rear seat passenger, aged in her 20s, was taken to St Luke's General Hospital and was in a serious condition. The third passenger, a child, was removed to Children's Health Ireland at Crumlin and was in a serious condition.

The incident has been referred to Fiosrú, the Police Ombudsman. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said he was constrained in what he could say in detail as a result, and that An Garda Síochána would fully cooperate with the investigation.

Justin Kelly, Garda Commissioner:

"My thoughts are with those injured in this morning's collision on the M9. These family members were travelling innocently when they were struck by a vehicle being driven the wrong way down the motorway."

The Commissioner linked the collision to an earlier incident on the M50.

Justin Kelly, Garda Commissioner:

"This horrific incident, following the recent collision on the M50, shows how irresponsible and dangerous driving on the wrong-side of the motorway is. That, of course, should be self-evident, but what makes this reckless behaviour even more appalling is that in some cases it is being done for social media likes regardless of the potentially devastating impact it might have on innocent people and themselves."

Taoiseach Micheál Martin described himself as shocked and saddened by the crash in a statement issued on 17 August.

Micheál Martin, Taoiseach:

"This is the second appalling crash we've seen on our roads in a matter of days as a result of the reckless driving of a car on the wrong side of the motorway, endangering the lives of innocent road users."

The Taoiseach said his thoughts and prayers were with the injured family, and thanked the first responders who worked at what he called a devastating scene. He said he would be speaking to the Minister for Justice and to Gardaí in relation to the matter.

Micheál Martin, Taoiseach:

"There can be no tolerance for this reckless behaviour that we have seen on our roads recently. It must stop."

Turning to its guidance, the RSA says motorways are recognised as the safest way of moving large volumes of traffic, mainly because vehicles are travelling in the same direction and they remove the risk of a head-on collision. However, the authority says there is always a possibility of encountering a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction.

The advice warns that motorway driving can become monotonous, which can cause drivers to relax their concentration or allow their attention to drift, particularly when the perceived danger is separated from them by a central barrier. The RSA says familiarity or monotony must never be allowed to reduce a driver's level of concentration.

By remaining constantly alert, the RSA says, drivers give themselves more time and space to recognise a hazard, assess what is happening and respond safely.

Particular care should be taken when approaching motorway exits and slip roads. The RSA says these areas require increased awareness because a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction may enter the motorway via an exit or slip road.

The RSA advises every driver, on any section of road, to:

1. Stay alert.
2. Look as far ahead as possible, and be aware of what is happening behind you.
3. Anticipate what may happen and plan your response, and always expect the unexpected.
4. If unsure about a developing situation ahead, reduce your speed appropriately.
5. Never allow familiarity with a motorway, or any road you regularly drive on, to reduce your concentration.

If you encounter a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction, the RSA advises:

1. Stay calm and avoid any sudden or dangerous manoeuvres.
2. Create as much space away from the oncoming vehicle as possible.
3. If the immediate danger has passed, continue your journey.
4. When it is safe to do so, leave the motorway and pull into a designated parking area or motorway service area.
5. Call the Gardaí on 999 or 112 and report the wrong-way vehicle.
6. Give the motorway and your direction of travel and, if possible, provide the vehicle's location and a description.
7. Provide any other information that may help the Gardaí identify the vehicle or locate it.
8. Once you have reported the incident and the immediate danger has passed, continue your journey only when it is safe to do so.

If you accidentally find yourself driving against the flow of traffic, the RSA advises:

1. Pull into the hard shoulder immediately and stop.
2. Do not attempt to correct the situation by turning, reversing or continuing against the flow of traffic.
3. If it is safe to do so, leave the vehicle using the doors on the side away from the traffic.
4. Move yourself and your passengers to a safe place behind the crash barrier, well away from the motorway lanes and hard shoulder.
5. If it is not safe to leave the vehicle, remain inside with your seatbelt securely fastened and switch on your hazard warning lights.
6. Call the Gardaí on 999 or 112 and wait for help in a safe place.

The RSA also reminds drivers that if you miss your motorway exit, you should continue to the next exit, and never reverse or attempt to turn around on the motorway. The authority sums up its message in four lines: stay alert, look ahead, anticipate hazards, and expect the unexpected.