Monthly Archives: November 2013

Icy Road Sign Covered with Frost & Ice Winter Alaska

How to deal with black ice

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With the temperatures dropping sharply recently and winter truly upon us, here are a few tips to help you identify and deal with black ice when driving on Irish roads, should you be unfortunate enough to encounter it,

How to spot Black Ice
Black Ice is actually clear. It forms without creating any bubbles so it blends in with the road surface or footpath. Black ice is dangerous precisely because it’s hard to detect in advance. Black Ice forms on surfaces like roads and footpaths because of a light freezing rain or because of melting and re-freezing of snow, water or ice.

Black ice almost always forms in very smooth, very glossy sheets. This glossy surface is your indication of potential black ice. If the majority of the road you’re driving on appears a dull black colour, but the patch just ahead of you appears shiny, you may be about to drive onto black ice.

Where will I find Black Ice?

  • Black ice forms most commonly at night or in the early morning when the temperatures are at their lowest, or when the sun isn’t around to warm the roads.
  • Black ice tends to form on parts of the road without much sunshine, such as along a tree-lined route or a tunnel. It will also form more frequently on roads that are less travelled on.
  • Black ice forms readily on bridges, overpasses and the road beneath overpasses. This is because the cold air is able to cool both the top and under the bridge or overpass, bringing about faster freezing.

What should I do if I hit black ice?
Firstly, don’t panic! Stay calm and don’t overreact.

  • Try to do as little as possible
  • Come completely off the accelerator
  • Do not brake
  • Try to keep the steering wheel as straight as possible
  • If you feel the back of your car sliding to the left, steer gently to the left. The same applies to the right. Over-steering may cause you to spin.
  • If you can, go down the gears. Selecting a lower gear will give you more control.
  • If you do skid apply the minimum pressure to your brakes. If your car is fitted with ABS (anti-lock braking system) stay on the brakes. Even if you feel a shudder/banging below your foot, this the the ABS doing it’s job. If you don’t have ABS pump the brakes by quickly pressing them and releasing them but do this gently.

How to avoid an accident or at least minimise the risk
There are several things that you can do to reduce the chances of being surprised by black ice. While knowing how to drive on it remains a number one priority, here are some other things to do:

  • Travel slowly. Don’t try to speed during icy weather as this will take away any control you might have had on the black ice.
  • Don’t tailgate.
  • Keep your windscreen clear of ice, snow, dirt, and anything else that can prevent you from seeing out of it properly. To get snow and ice off the windscreen of your car, you might be tempted to turn on your windscreen wipers. It might seem like the wipers and the washer fluid will work, but they don’t. In fact, if you use your windscreen wipers to get ice off the windscreen, you could ruin them. Use a scraper to scrape the ice from the windscreen of your car before starting the vehicle.
  • Turn your headlights on early in the afternoon to help you see any possible sheen from black ice.
  • Check your tyre tread. Worn tread causes accidents in any conditions, and will ensure you lack traction when needed on black ice. In addition, consider having snow tyres fitted. Your tread depth should be at least 1.6mm but preferably be at least 3mm for winter driving
  • An important thing to remember is to NEVER drive in potentially icy conditions with your cruise control active.

 

world-day-of-remembrance

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

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On Sunday 17th November, the victims of road collisions will be remembered on ‘World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims’. To mark the day, the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Local Authorities, members of An Garda Síochána and the Emergency Services are joining forces to urge people to consider their behaviour on the roads as a mark of respect to those who have lost their lives on Ireland’s roads.

“23,405 people have died on Irish roads to date (14 November 2013) since records began in 1959. A further 76,129 received serious, life-changing injuries over the period 1977 to 2012. And already this year, 165 families, friends and communities have been left devastated by the loss of a loved one. That’s 20 more families grieving than the same period last year.

“ This weekend, commemoration services, masses and events will take place throughout the country to remember those who have died or been seriously injured on our roads, and the families and friends who are left grieving for their loss. A full list of the events taking place to mark ‘World Remembrance Day’ is available here.

The following activities will mark ‘World Remembrance Day’:

Galway PARC Road Safety Group, ‘Promoting Awareness, Responsibilty and Care on our roads’, is holding their annual Remembrance Day Ceremony in the Menlo Park Hotel, Headford Road, Galway on Sunday 17 November at 2.30pm. Everyone is welcome.

In conjunction with this international day, PARC is re-launching an updated version of their free guide for families of victims, entitled ‘Finding Your Way’ which is designed to help families of victims following the death or serious injury of a loved one in a road traffic collision.

For further details of the event, contact Susan Gray, CEO of PARC Road Safety Group on 086 377 3784 or email[email protected].  More information on PARC is available at www.parcroadsafety.ie

Louth The Road Safety Officer in Louth has requested all religious groups in the county to read out a notice at their Church service on WRD. People are being asked to remember and pray for the victims of road collisions and their families, and if appropriate, to light a candle in their memory.

Mayo A service will take place at Knock Shrine in Mayo at 12pm on World Remembrance Day to remember those who were injured or lost their lives in road collisions and to recognise the work carried out by the Emergency Services. After the service, refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity for people to chat. The service is being organised by Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer with Mayo County Council.

Cork A mass will take place in Cork City in the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne, Roman Street, (Shandon) at 11.30am on Sunday 17 November. It will be attended by personnel from the emergency services, road crash survivors and families of those who have lost loved ones on the road.

Westmeath The Irish Road Victims’ Association, with the assistance of Westmeath County Council, will be holding a special ceremony at our Memorial Garden for Road Traffic Victims in Belvedere House, Gardens and Park, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath at 2.30pm on Sunday 17 November on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

In a short multi-denominational ceremony of music, song, poetry and prayer, candles will be lit in memory of all of our Loved Ones who have tragically lost their lives on our roads. Those who have been injured in road collisions will also be remembered as well as the great work of the Emergency Services.

The Mullingar Youth Orchestra and a lone piper will play at the ceremony, along with Soprano and Vocalists Helen Hassett, John Smyth and Noel O’Farrell. Those attending are requested to bring with them a photo of their lost loved one, friends or colleagues which will be placed on our Remembrance table during the ceremony. Scrolls with photos of our lost loved ones will be displayed to show the faces behind the statistics, the human impact of road traffic collisions. Each one, much more than just a number to their family and friends who are left behind to pick up the pieces with a lifetime of great loss and pain.

If you would like to include your lost loved one in these special scrolls for the World Day of Remembrance, please email a photo with details to [email protected] asap.

We will launch balloons and Chinese lanterns during the ceremony in memory of all of those who have tragically lost their lives, and as a sign of hope for the future safety of our road users. The theme of this year’s event is ‘From Global Remembrance to Global Action across the Decade, let’s have roads that are safe for all and let’s make 2011-2020 a decade to remember’.

To mark World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims, the RSA will have a ‘Wall of Remembrance’ on its Facebook page www.facebook.com/RSAireland .

The Wall of Remembrance is a place for people to come and share their memories, to light a candle and leave a memorial message for a loved one who has been killed or seriously injured on our roads. A local radio advertising campaign will also be on air next week to remind people to remember the victims of road collisions.

iDrive in the Snow 001

Top 10 Tips for Driving in Winter

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TOP 10 TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING
Taking a number of simple precautions can ensure safety on Irish roads during winter. Don’t get caught out if severe weather hits, make the necessary checks on your vehicle now.
There are a number of simple precautions the RSA advises for driving over the winter months:

1. Check your tyres…they are your only contact with the road. Tyres should be at least the minimum legal thread depth of 1.6mm but need to be changed before they get this worn. Tyres need to be to the correct tyre pressure to give the motorist the best chance in extreme conditions

2. Use your lights. As we come into the winter months, motorists are advised to use dipped head lights during the day so you are easily seen. Headlights and taillights should be in working order.

3. Understand your brakes. Check your car manual and find out if your vehicle has safety assist technology such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti Lock Braking System (ABS). Learn how these technologies can assist your driving in harsh weather conditions.
3. Safe Distance. It takes longer to stop a car during the winter weather so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the car in front.

4. Make sure you can clearly see. All too often motorists do not de-fog or de-ice windows and mirrors which can compromise visibility. This winter ensure windows and mirrors are clear, and carry a de-icer and screen scraper. Do not use boiling water as this can crack the windscreen.

6. Beware of “Black Ice”. Black Ice is one of winter’s biggest hazards as it is difficult to see. Watch out for sheltered/ shaded areas on roads, under trees and near high walls.

7. Be prepared. During these winter months it is advised that motorists carry a number of essentials in the boot of their car:

  • High visibility vest
  • Spare fuel
  • Appropriate footwear in case you need to leave your vehicle e.g. boots
  • A hazard warning triangle
  • Spare wheel
  • Tow Rope
  • A shovel
  • De-icing equipment (for glass and door locks)
  • Spare bulbs
  • First aid kit
  • A fire extinguisher
  • A working torch
  • A car blanket, additional clothing & some food and water

8. In the event of a breakdown. Drivers need to ensure their vehicle is well in off the road so as not to obstruct other vehicles. The driver should also put on their hazard warning lights. If the vehicle breaks down on the motorway pull in as far as you can, alerting traffic behind you with hazard lights. The driver should leave their vehicle, get behind the barrier (on the embankment) and call the Gardaí, on their mobile phone or roadside telephone.

9. Keep up to date. Listen to local weather and traffic reports. Pay heed to the weather warnings alerting drivers of unsafe and dangerous driving conditions.

10. Check out the RSA’s publication ‘Severe Weather Advice for Road Users’ for more detailed advice on what to do if severe weather strikes!

At iDrive Ireland we offer Winter Driving Lessons to all levels of driver including fully licenced drivers. We do this in our Dual Controlled 2013 Ford Fiesta.

If you want more information on driving during the winter months or in ice or snow or would like to learn how to do it safely, call Andy on 087 0663947 or Email us on [email protected]

The Irish Driving Test – Preparation, what happens on the day and other helpful advice

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So the big day has arrived. You’re going to sit your driving test! Here I’ll outline what you can expect and give some useful tips.
PREPARATION is the key to passing your driving test. I cannot stress how important it is to practice your skills and study the Rules of The Road in the weeks and months leading up to your test. The vast majority of people who fail their driving test do so because they haven’t put in enough practice prior to it. It’s like any other test you sit, to pass your Leaving Cert you have to study and the driving test is no different!
I’d estimate that most pupils who come to me having already gained driving experience previously and/or failed a test before take on average 7 hours instruction. This figure does vary depending on individual ability and how easily they find it to shake their bad habits. The few pupils who fail with us may only do 2 or 3 hours preparation.
My advice would always be to get as many lessons as you can afford with a reputable Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). Some people think that they’ll save a few € by cutting back on their lessons. This is often a false economy as they fail their test, cost themselves another €85 test fee and the cost of further lessons.
Remember: FAIL TO PREPARE, PREPARE TO FAIL!
How to Apply
The cost is €85
It may be possible to pick your own date/time for your driving test. If you chose not to you will be added to the waiting list for the test centre you wish to sit your test at. Waiting times are normally around 8 – 10 weeks.
My advice is, if you are not taking lessons when you apply, to start them as soon as you can. This will give an ADI the chance to identify the areas of your driving that need attention and, more importantly, allow you to practice the skills shown to you.
You need to have held a learner permit for at least 6 months and if you got your FIRST learner permit on or after 4th April 2011 have completed the 12 lessons that form The Essential Driver Training (EDT) Programme and have had your 12 lessons uploaded into the RSA’s system by your ADI.
On The Day
I’d always recommend that a pupil takes a lesson the hour before their test. Doing so gets you “in the zone” mentally ready for the test. Everything should be fresh in your mind and it gives your ADI the chance to give some final words of advice and encouragement.
At the end of this lesson you should aim to be back in the test centre roughly 15 minutes before your test time.
Don’t forget your Learner Permit or Logbook where required. Bringing The Logbook isn’t strictly necessary but I’d always advise it just in case!
Once you are seated in the waiting room you’ll be called, by name, by your tester.
When you are sat at the tester’s desk you will be asked to:
  • Show them your Learner Permit. Out of courtesy, if it’s the old type, remove it from the plastic wallet and open it up for them and hand it to them with your photograph facing them.
  • Sign a form to confirm that you are insured for the car you are using on the test.
  • Answer a number of questions on the Rules of the Road and identify some road signs.
From here you will leave the test offices and go out to your car. The tester will then usually ask you to:
  • Open your bonnet and identify 3 items of their choosing and answer any questions they may ask. (Sometimes, usually if it’s raining, they may ask you about tyres and how to check them instead of the under the bonnet checks).
  • Sit in your car, turn on your ignition and operate your signals and press your footbrake. If any bulbs are not working your test will not go ahead and you will lose your fee.
The tester will check your Road Tax, Insurance Disc and NCT Disc. These all must be in date. If they aren’t, your driving test will not proceed and again, you will lose your fee.
The tester will sit in the car beside you and ask you to operate or identify some of the controls of the car such as the wipers, lights, heating controls etc
The Drive
The drive will last approximately 30 mins. You’ll drive in a variety of road conditions for between 8 and 13 kilometres.
The tester will give you instructions/directions in plenty of time. If you don’t hear or don’t understand these instructions ask the tester to repeat them for you.
Your driving will be assessed in the following situations:
  • Moving off
  • Driving in traffic
  • Stopping Reversing around a corner
  • Turning about, to face in the opposite direction
  • Starting on a hill
Aspects of your driving assessed will include:
  • Road positioning
  • Overtaking and passing
  • Anticipation and observation
  • Use of mirrors and signals
  • Progress Speed
  • Compliance with traffic lights, road signs and markings
  • Use of the vehicle controls (accelerator, clutch, gears, brakes and steering)
  • Use of secondary controls such as wipers, de-misters, etc
When you return to the test centre park safely and when you are asked to turn off your engine the test is over.
The Road Safety Authority have produced information on Preparing for your Driving Test 
iDrive’s ADI’s can help you prepare for your driving test. We instruct in Meath covering the Navan Test Routes, Louth covering the Dundalk Test Routes, Dublin covering the Finglas Test Routes, Tallaght Test Routes and Rathgar Routes and in Kildare covering the Naas Test Routes.
To book lessons or for further info text/call Andy on 087 0663947 or email [email protected]
Fail stamp 1

Failed your driving test? – What to do next.

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Failing your driving test can certainly be a bitter pill to swallow but it isn’t the end of the world!!

If your driving test doesn’t go the way you hoped it’s really important that you don’t become too disheartened however how annoyed, frustrated, disappointed you feel.

At iDrive Ireland we absolutely believe the correct thing to do is to go over the driving faults that the tester gave you with your Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), take the advice offered on board and begin working on correcting them immediately. The next thing you should do is apply straight away to resit your driving test. The earliest you can resit the test after failing is 3 weeks, unless you provide evidence that you are leaving the country within that period. The worst thing you can do is put it on the long finger!!

Over the last 3 years as an ADI I have met countless learner drivers who have come to me having failed the test countless times, up to 7 times in some cases! Their stories are almost identical:

  1. Sit the driving test.
  2. Fail.
  3. Wait a year to 18 months and then rebook the test.
  4. Call an ADI a week before the test and take a driving lesson or two.
  5. Fail again.
  6. Return to Step 3.
It’s a vicious circle that leads to frustration, loss of confidence and conspiracy theories.
It’s also a false economy. Learners who attempt to pass the driving test using this method can often end up costing themselves a fortune. A pupil who fails 4 tests will have paid € 340.00 in test fees alone!! That’s a huge amount of money in the current climate and if you deduct the cost of one test from that total the balance would get you 10 lessons in many cases.
While you are waiting for your retest to come round you should continue lessons with your ADI. He or she will be able to advise you where you are going right and wrong and assist you in eliminating the errors you made in your previous test(s).
Preparation is the key to success in the driving test. Of that there is no doubt. Practice makes perfect may be a cliché but it is so true. If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail! It’s important you make an appointment with an ADI at least 10 days before your driving test date. This will give you time to postpone the test if you are not ready.
When a customer calls us at iDrive Ireland and advises us they have a driving test coming up we always advise that they take a 2 hour Pretest as soon as possible. This gives us time to assess their driving formally and gives them precious time to work on improving their driving.
On the pretest we will direct the pupil around a driving test route and mark them in the same way the driving tester would. We try to make the pretest as realistic as the actual test. Once we return to the test centre we go over their driving faults advising where and why the faults occurred and more importantly how to go about correcting them. We then go back out over the test route, this time giving full instruction and valuable advice.
It really is a hugely successful method. In 3 years almost 200 people have passed their test with us. Many of them passed first time or their first test after taking lessons with us having previously failed. You can see many of them on our Facebook album
iDrive’s ADI’s can help you prepare for your driver theory test as well as your practical driving test. We instruct in Meath covering the Navan Test Routes and Louth covering the Dundalk Test Routes
To book lessons, ask for advice or for further info text/call Andy on 087 0663947 or email us.