31 May 2011
Posted by Miriam O'Neill 
The AA marks the start of its Summer Driving Campaign this week just in time for the June bank holiday and school holiday season with the launch of a jam packed summer motoring section at www.aaireland.ie/summerdriving. Bursting with information on driving both at home and abroad, the new section of the AA’s website, offers drivers a one stop shop for all aspects of summer driving.
“They call it the Gasoline Season in the US, and we see a similar pattern on this side of the Atlantic.” Says Director of Policy Conor Faughnan. “Schools and colleges start to finish up and many families start to take their holidays at home or abroad. Traffic changes from its regular patterns and drivers face different challenges.”
Summer Driving in Ireland
Summer is dangerous – the worst months for injuries on the road are July and August. People are driving out of their regular habits, often driving longer distances on less familiar roads. Sadly, alcohol is still prevalent as a cause of road deaths and we see a peak in this during the Summer months.
Summer means more tourist traffic, so drivers need to make an extra effort as other road users may be lost or confused or may not be familiar with Irish roads and habits. Many drivers will also cover much longer distances during Summer and hot weather also makes people more prone to the dangers of fatigue. The AA website has information on safety and on how to avoid Summer breakdowns.
Driving Abroad
The AA website has a newly updated European Driving Section where drivers can find information on fuel prices, speed limits, drink drive limits, tolls, essential equipment and much more for 40 European countries right at their finger tips. In addition, the site provides motorists with excellent advice on warm weather car maintenance, coping with hay fever while driving, avoiding car hire pitfalls, international driving permits which are exclusively available from the AA and the AA’s European Break down offering.
Mind your manners…
The site also shortlists some of the more unique and quirky driving offenses motorists could pick up while driving in Europe. “If you’re off to Germany for example you’d better watch your p’s and q’s and all the rest.” Says Conor Faughnan, Director of Policy, AA Ireland. “Drivers caught using abusive language or making rude gestures towards other road users can be fined.” Interestingly, in the AA’s most recent survey, 62.5% of the 10,900 motorists polled said they would be in favor of similar legislation being introduced here in Ireland.
“We’re delighted to be able to launch this fantastic resource for motorists at a time when many are finalizing their summer holiday plans.” Says Conor Faughnan, Director of Policy, AA Ireland. “If heading off to Europe it’s well worth a quick visit to the site to swat up as speed and drink driving limits vary quite a bit throughout Europe.”
In the Czech Republic, for example, a zero drink driving policy is enforced so there can be no glass of wine with your meal. Czech police also use a saliva test to check for illegal drugs. Drivers who wear glasses must have a spare pair with them in Spain. In Austria & Switzerland you must have a Vignette sticker to use a motorway. In Germany some cities restrict traffic to reduce emissions and again a car must have a vignette sticker to comply. In many countries the local police force tend to be stricter and less flexible than Irish motorists are used to at home, so a little preparation and respect for local laws is essential. Wherever you are going the www.aaireland.ie/summerdriving website has all the essential information.
To celebrate the launch of their new dedicated Summer Driving section on their website, AA Ireland are offering a special discount of 3 months free off AA Membership until the 5th of June.
In addition to break down cover, AA Members can enjoy a broad range of discounts on AA Car, Home and Travel Insurance. Free AA Travel Insurance when travelling within Ireland and the UK. Plus even more savings across hotel breaks, day trips, retail outlets, weekend breaks and leisure activities.
Additional photography from our Summer Driving photo shoot are available for free download via the AA Ireland Flickr page at: www.flickr.com/photos/aaireland/?saved=1
1 Comment
Good article you have pulled out for the car driver and i totally agree with comment made on this editorial about AA launches Summer Driving Campaign. We definitely need car breakdown cover for our vehicle.