An Irish driver has received a mixed reaction after sharing advice in a social media post.
Every day in Ireland thousands of commuters use the motorway network.
All major cities in Ireland are now connected by motorway.
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Motorists often have a very clear idea of what they believe is the 'correct' manoeuvre to merge on to a motorway, and what certainly is not.
Taking to Reddit, the driver asked: "Why is merging onto a motorway such a hard concept for motorists to understand?"
The driver then shared advice to follow on how to merge on to a motorway.
The poster said: "The vehicle on the motorway has the right of way."
"The vehicle on the motorway doesn't have to move out of your way so you can join the motorway.
"Speed up and merge in front of a vehicle on the motorway, or slow down and merge behind the vehicle on the motorway. Don't match the vehicle on the motorway's speed and expect them to move out of your way."
One Reddit user responded and disagreed - "This is the correct answer, OP you’re not really correct, someone merging is supposed to match the speed of cars on the motorway, this is safe, cars are supposed to give them room to merge."
A second said: "If you can move to allow a car to merge you should. Refusing to do so because it's not a legal requirement is just being a prick."
Another added: "Because it's not taught in the driving curriculum. So, the vast majority don't actually know what you're supposed to do beyond having skimmed that part in the rules of the road."
Before you head out on a motorway you should read and study the RSA booklet ‘Motorway Driving’ here.
The RSA says to merge into a motorway, you should do the following:
When you are joining a motorway
Always be careful and pay attention when you join a motorway
Build up speed on the acceleration lane before merging with motorway traffic
Signal in good time to make sure other motorway users know you intend to join the motorway traffic
As you approach the motorway on the slip road, check your mirrors and your blind spot for a safe gap in the traffic
Give way to traffic already on the motorway
Change your speed to fit safely and legally into the traffic. Stay in the slip road if it continues as an extra lane on the motorway. Avoid crossing a solid white line that separates the traffic lanes
When you are driving on a motorway
- You must drive ahead. You are not allowed to turn or reverse. It is an offence to drive against the flow of traffic on a motorway
- If you find yourself driving against the flow of traffic, pull in immediately to the hard shoulder and stop. Contact the Gardaí by dialling 999 or 112. Do not attempt to turn your vehicle. Wait for help in a safe place
- Drive at a safe and legal speed that will not interfere with traffic already on the motorway
- Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Leave a bigger gap when you are driving on wet or icy roads or in fog
- Variable messaging warning signs may be used to advise motorists of potential hazards on the motorway. Do not stop or park on the motorway except in an emergency or when you are told to do so by the emergency services or Gardaí
- You must not drive on the hard shoulder unless in an emergency or if ordered to do so by An Garda Síochána. It is a motoring offence to do so and you could incur penalty points
For further information, visit the RSA's website here and read the Rules of the Road.
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