A WARNING has been issued to motorists over a little-known rule break on Irish roads.
Instead of using dashboard speedometer, drivers are turning to Satnavs and apps to monitor their speed.
One in 10 drivers admitted using alternative methods to monitor their speed, experts from Regtransfers revealed.
However, these methods may not be as reliable as the traditional speedometer.
A spokesperson for AA Ireland said: “The AA would advise motorists to use Sat Navs and apps as supplementary tools rather than rely on them in place of the vehicle’s speedometer.
“Drivers should always familiarise themselves with local speed limits and any changes.
“It’s also essential to rely on actual road signs rather than solely on Sat Navs or apps, as there can be delays in updating navigation software.”
While the RSA lead on matters of road safety, gardai’s primary role is enforcement.
A garda spokesperson said: “No vehicle speedometer or electronic device can determine the appropriate speed, within the legal speed limit, required in any particular driving conditions.
“Using electronic devices while driving can be a form of ‘distracted driving’ and should be avoided.
“Drivers should prioritise safe driving by driving according to the conditions and within the applicable speed limits.
“Electronic and mobile devices are the leading cause of driver distraction on Irish roads.
“While technology offers many benefits, it can be extremely dangerous when used while driving.
“Even hands-free activities like viewing notifications, video calling, or streaming media can significantly impair a driver’s focus and create a serious risk for everyone on the road, including the driver themselves.”
While there isn’t a specific ‘Distracted Driving’ offence, such behavior can be prosecuted under several sections of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, including Section 51A (Driving without Reasonable Consideration), Section 52 (Careless Driving), and Section 53 (Dangerous Driving).
Regtransfers CEO Mark Trimbee warned that sat navs can sometimes be “inaccurate over short distances”.
He said: “We understand how it may be tempting to ignore your speedometer when your sat nav tells you that you can go a little faster but there are very good reasons to be guided by your car’s instruments rather than your sat nav.
“Car makers are allowed to set speedos to show a slightly higher speed than we’re actually driving at.
“It’s also pretty well known that sat nav tends to show a more accurate indication of speed over distance. But it’s not that simple.
“While sat nav will give a more accurate average speed over a medium to long distance, it can become pretty inaccurate over short distances, especially on roads with a lot of traffic and bends in the road.
“When we have to brake or accelerate, sat nav can’t keep up well enough to show our speed reliably.
“At least by referring to our car’s speedometer we can be assured that we won’t go too fast without realising it.”
SPEEDOMETERS READING
He urged that speedometers must provide an accurate reading legally.
Trimbee added: “It’s never a good idea to base your speed on your own judgement.
“50km/h can feel like a crawl after being on the motorway, and it can be all too easy to misjudge your speed.
“As for using other road users to judge your speed, this one’s simple; if they’re over the speed limit, you will be too.”
A spokesperson for the RSA said: “While human error can be minimised through automation, individual driver behaviour and the broader driving culture remain central in determining the safety consequences of automotive technology.
“While automation and AI-driven safety systems can help reduce human errors (such as distracted driving, speeding, or reaction time delays), the overall safety impact of these technologies still depends on driver behavior.”
Various speed limits have been reduced by 25 per cent on some Irish roads in a bid to lower the risk of accidents and fatalities.
Drivers who go over limits will be hit with three penalty points and a fixed charge fine of €160.
It comes as lower speed limits were introduced across the country since February 7.
LOWER LIMITS
The changes for rural local roads means that roads previously 80km/h are now 60km/h.
In these urban core spots, speed limits have been reduced to 30km/h.
The speed limit on national secondary roads have also dropped from 100km/h to 80km/h.
A sign with a white circle and three diagonal black lines means that your speed must change to 60km/h.
Drivers in urban areas, which include built up parts as well as housing estates and town centres, will also see speed limit changes later this year.
