An Irish driver has received mixed reactions after offering advice in a social media post.
Thousands of commuters use the motorway network in Ireland every day.
All major cities in Ireland are now linked by motorways.
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Motorists often have a very clear idea of what they consider to be the “right” maneuver to merge onto a freeway, and what certainly isn’t.
The driver asked on Reddit, “Why is entering a freeway so hard for drivers to understand?”
The driver then gave advice on how to merge onto a freeway.
The poster read: “Vehicles on the Autobahn have the right of way.”
“The vehicle on the freeway does not have to avoid you in order for you to enter the freeway.
“Accelerate and pull in ahead of a vehicle on the freeway, or slow down and pull in behind the vehicle on the freeway. Do not adjust the vehicle on the freeway and expect it to swerve.”
One Reddit user replied and disagreed, “This is the correct answer OP, you’re not really right, someone coming in is supposed to match the speed of cars on the freeway, that’s for sure, cars are supposed to give them room to thread.” “
A second said: “If you can move to allow a car to be merged then you should do so.
Another added: “Because it’s not taught in the roadmap. So the vast majority don’t know what to do other than having skimmed that part of the Highway Code.”
Before driving on any freeway, you should read and study the RSA Freeway Driving brochure available here.
The RSA says to merge onto a freeway you should do the following:
When you enter a freeway
Always use caution and pay attention when entering any highway
Accelerate in the acceleration lane before merging into freeway traffic
Signal in good time so that other motorway users know that you want to merge into the motorway traffic
As you approach the freeway on the ramp, check your mirrors and blind spot for a safe gap in traffic
Yield the right of way to traffic on the motorway
Change your speed to blend in with traffic safely and legally. Stay on the slip road when it becomes an extra lane on the Autobahn. Avoid crossing a solid white line separating lanes
When driving on a freeway
You have to drive ahead. Turning or reversing is not allowed. Driving against the flow of traffic on a freeway is a criminal offense. If you find yourself driving against the flow of traffic, pull over immediately in the hard shoulder and stop. Contact the Gardaí by dialing 999 or 112. Do not attempt to turn your vehicle. Wait for help in a safe place. Already drive on the highway at a safe and legal speed that does not obstruct traffic. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Leave a larger gap when driving on wet or icy roads or in fog. Alternating warning signs can be used to alert motorists to potential hazards on the highway. Do not stop or park on the motorway except in an emergency or when directed to do so by the emergency services or gardaí. You are not allowed to drive on the hard shoulder unless it is an emergency or when instructed to do so by An Garda Síochána. This is a traffic offense and you may be penalized
For more information visit the RSA website here and read the Highway Code.
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