10 Irish Driving Habits

Published on 16 March, 2018

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Overview

To celebrate St. Patrick's Day we have a look at some unique Irish driving habits.

1. The index finger salute

You are tipping around town and a kind stranger let you out of the junction. Everyone knows the rules, you must raise the index finger as a gesture of thanks. This salute can grow depending on how well you know the person. Two fingers for an acquaintance, a full palm for a close friend and the back of the hand against the windscreen for a true friend.

2. Donating your parking ticket

You had to put €2 in the parking machine even though you only needed to park for fifteen minutes! What a rip off! In a gesture that simultaneously makes you feel good about yourself and makes you feel like you are sticking it to the man you hand over your parking ticket to the next lucky person you spot parking. It's the little victories.

3. Blessing yourself as you pass a graveyard, church, ambulance, magpie etc.

You haven't been to mass in years but you'll be damned if your not going to bless yourself as you pass a graveyard.

4. Flashing your lights when there is a checkpoint/speed van ahead

Which causes everyone to drive 10 kilometers below the speed limit. (We do not condone this one...)

5. Driving for days with the fuel light on

Ah sure the fuel light is just a suggestion. "I once got 63 miles out of the tank with the petrol light on".

6. Getting the car washed on Christmas Eve

There will be visitors calling on Christmas Day, you cannot have a dirty car.

7. Fear of driving in Dublin

A common problem for people who live outside "The Pale". Just the thought of the M50 makes you break out in a rash.

8. Turning down the radio to concentrate on finding somewhere

Usually a consequence of getting lost somewhere in Dublin.

9. A quick flash of the hazard lights to thank a truck/tractor

A slow moving truck or tractor briefly moves into to the hard shoulder to let you pass. A quick flash of the hazards lights to thank the driver is a must.

10. A strong farmers tan on your right arm only

A particular favourite of anyone who drives for a living.

Anthony Murphy

I just kept turning up and eventually they let me drive some shiny new cars.