DRIVERS are being warned to learn how to survive if they encounter a vehicle on the wrong side of the road.
Several young people recently died when they crashed on the wrong side of the road.
And Transport Infrastructure Ireland this week revealed that there have been 62 incidents of wrong-way driving recorded on Ireland’s motorways so far this year.
This is a 32 per cent increase, compared to the 47 incidents during the same period in 2025 which ended the year with 85 cases of wrong-way motorway driving.
The deaths and shock driving stats led to an urgent response from road safety officials.
The RSA has issued guidance about driving on the wrong side of the road.
The RSA has urged motorists to “stay calm and avoid sudden or dangerous manoeuvres” and also “create as much space as possible” with an oncoming vehicle.
When immediate danger has passed, the distressed drivers are told to stop at a “safe location” and alert the emergency services.
Five people died in a collision in Dublin when they crashed on the wrong side of the road and seven more similarly lost their lives in England, including two police officers.
It is claimed that the vehicles were deliberately driving on the wrong side of the road with the victims filming themselves as part of a social media craze.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) issued its “emergency advice” on what drivers should do if they encounter a vehicle on the wrong side of the road.
A spokesperson said: “Drivers should always remain alert and be prepared for the unexpected.
“Driving can become familiar and repetitive, but concentration, observation and anticipation remain vital skills for every journey.
“The RSA advises all drivers to: stay alert and look as far ahead as possible; be aware of what is happening around you; and anticipate developing situations and always expect the unexpected.
“Also, reduce your speed appropriately if you are unsure about a situation ahead.
“Never allow familiarity with a road to reduce your concentration and, if you encounter a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction, stay calm and avoid sudden or dangerous manoeuvres.
“Create as much space as possible between your vehicle and the oncoming vehicle.
“Once the immediate danger has passed, continue to a safe location off the motorway.
“Then call 999 or 112 and report the incident, providing location and vehicle details where possible.”
Road Safety Authority has warned drivers about driving on the wrong side of the road.
He added: “If you accidentally find yourself driving against the flow of traffic, pull into the hard shoulder immediately and stop.
“Do not reverse, turn around or continue driving. If safe to do so, move behind the crash barrier with any passengers.
“Call 999 or 112 and wait for assistance. Stay alert. Look ahead. Anticipate hazards. Expect the unexpected.”
Donegal has had instances over the years of motorists driving on the wrong of the road.
In 2005, former Government minister Jim McDaid was stopped on the N4 in Kildare when he accidentally drove on the wrong side of the road and later received a two-year driving ban.
In 2016, a collision on Letterkenny’s dual carriageway resulted tragically in the deaths of Dermot Boyle (19) and Bernard McGinley (28) when their car was on the wrong side of the road.