May bank holiday Wicklow-Kildare road safety campaign launched

This time of year statistically sees an increase in more vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists using the roads. Last year, 44 pedestrians, eight cyclists and 26 motorcyclists died on our roads. An Garda Síochána will be out in force on roads across the country over the bank holiday weekend. All road users are being encouraged to share the road safely and watch out for each other while on their journeys.

Motorists are being urged to be extra vigilant and allow a safe passing distance for pedestrians and cyclists. They are also being urged to look twice at junctions for any approaching motorcyclists before they emerge from a junction.

This joint road safety campaign is also appealing to motorcyclists to recognise their vulnerability and responsibility to themselves and to ride safely. Motorcyclists have less protection than a car driver if involved in a collision.

So, if something goes wrong, regardless of who is at fault, the consequences for motorcyclists can be catastrophic. While many motorcyclists continue to ride safely and within the speed limit, some others, however, appear not to. Those riders are being urged to ease off the throttle and keep within the speed limit.

Wicklow County Council’s Road Safety Officer Linda Healy said: “The bank holiday weekend is a great occasion to be out enjoying our wonderful countryside and taking part in activities. As this can lead to an increase in traffic on our roads, all road users are being urged to take notice of more vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists. It is important that we work together to share and make our roads a safer place.

“Research shows that there is an increase in road traffic collisions over bank holidays, but these can be avoided if we all make responsible choices when using the roads. We are appealing to all road users to take extra care on our roads this weekend.”

Garda Inspector Michelle Byrne of the Wicklow Roads Policing Unit said: “Gardaí will be out in force on our roads again this bank holiday weekend and I am calling on all road users to respect their fellow road users and to share the road safely. To date this year 69 persons have lost their lives on Irish Roads, this is an increase of 16 for the same period last year.

“An Garda Síochána strongly appeal to drivers to never ever drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Let’s work together to have no more tragedy on our roads over this bank holiday campaign; use our roads wisely and get home safe to your family and friends this weekend.”

Pedestrian safety is also a key part of keeping vulnerable road users safe. As a pedestrian, it’s important to practice good road safety and take personal responsibility in keeping safe on our roads. If there is no footpath, you must walk as near as possible to the right-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.

Pedestrians are encouraged to make themselves more visible to other road users while out walking. Motorists should also be more aware of their surroundings and watch out for people walking along the road.

Motorists should expect increased numbers of cyclists on the roads over the weekend and should be extra vigilant, allow safe passing distances, and not take chances when overtaking. Cyclists are encouraged to be visible to other road users and keep bicycle lights in good working order. They should also signal in plenty of time to allow others to react to their movements.