Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
327. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Transport the driver information campaigns that currently exist or are planned for the purposes of informing drivers of the necessity of ensuring that both headlight bulbs are functional; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72279/25]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, RSA has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness campaigns and for the advancement of education specific to the safe use of roads. There has been a significant increase in spending on public awareness, communications and education campaigns by the RSA in recent years. As in 2025, the RSA will again ringfence funding of €18 million for awareness, education and promotional campaigns in 2026. This will ensure a continued focus on campaigns that make our roads safer for all road users.
I am informed by the RSA that in January and December they ran a social media campaign to promote the correct use of lights for cars. The RSA also placed a print advert in the Farmers Journal in July to remind farmers of the rules around the use of works lights and reminding them to turn them off before going on the public road. They are promoting this message across Agriland in December.
In October this year the RSA developed new radio and social media assets advising people to make sure they do seasonal checks on their vehicle as we headed into winter. Checking that lights are working properly was included in that messaging.
The RSA have also just filmed a walkaround check for motorcycles and tractors that also highlights the need to check their lights are working before moving off.
Non functioning or defective headlights would also be an element of the National Car Test (NCT) for relevant vehicles.
