Garda safety appeal for holiday weekend

An appeal has been issued by An Garda Síochána to all road users to take extra care over the October Bank Holiday Weekend.

Gardaí have cautioned “there will be an increase in traffic as many will be travelling to different parts of the country. The school holidays will also be commencing for all school children, so we appeal to all motorists / motorcyclists to slow down, always wear their seatbelts, wear the appropriate safety clothing at all times, be well rested and never ever drink and drive”.

Regional Traffic Superintendent, Western Region, Noel Kelly, said, “ We are anxious to ensure anyone using a vehicle is aware of our Bank Holiday Enforcement Campaign. Garda resources will be deployed with the aim of increasing compliance amongst road users and improving overall road safety.

“Motorists are advised that inappropriate speed, Drink driving, seatbelts, poor vehicle lighting and faulty tyres are the greatest contributory factors to road deaths and serious injuries at this time of the year.

“Bank holiday weekends are typically high risk periods due to the high volumes of traffic on the national road network. Over the October Bank Holiday period, many people will set out to visit family and friends and in doing so, some will undertake long road journeys. Drivers are urged to be vigilant and to take all necessary steps to ensure their safety and the safety of other road users. Drivers should allow plenty of time for their journeys and not to drive if they are tired.”

Superintendent Kelly said drivers should pay attention to the speed limit signs posted on all roads but especially on entering built up areas. Garda enforcement activity will be conducted on sections of the road network that have a propensity for speed related collisions and will target all vehicles, including commercial vehicles of all classifications.

Drivers are urged to slow down and to remember that a speed limit is a legal maximum not a target and that it may not be appropriate when other conditions are taken into account.

Drivers need to drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions and traffic volumes, and take regular breaks. Ensure that everyone in the vehicle is wearing their safety belt and that all children are in a suitable safety seat. Never ever drive having consumed alcohol or drugs and never ever take a lift from a driver whom you know has consumed alcohol or drugs.

Cyclists and pedestrians are asked to wear appropriate clothing during hours of darkness; cyclists should ensure they have the correct lights and that they are in working order and at all times they are obliged to adhere to the Rules of the Road. Motorists are asked to be conscious of cyclists and pedestrians using the roads.