Drive away your bad habits this Lent

ROAD safety professionals are appealing for people observing Lent to give up one more thing - bad driving.

Speaking ahead of the start of Lent tomorrow (Wednesday), Noel Gibbons, road safety officer with Mayo County Council, said: “People tend to give up those bad habits that they enjoy, like eating too much chocolate or crisps, or maybe drinking too many cups of coffee before getting into work.

“The road safety group is asking people to think about the way they drive and use Lent as a reason to kick their bad habits off the road forever. Whether you're Catholic or not, giving up bad driving habits for 40 days may save your life and that of other road users.”

Superintendent Joe McKenna of Garda headquarters in Castlebar added: “We want all road users to change their behaviours this Lent and make these changes part of their lives in the future, which will save lives and reduce serious injuries on our roads.”

Some bad habits drivers are being asked to give up include speeding: It is estimated that one in three crashes is speed-related. Make sure you are always aware of speed limits and keep to them, being especially cautious on unfamiliar roads.

Phoning while driving: It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, even while stopped at traffic lights, and the consequences of doing so can be fatal. So always turn it off before you set off.

Driving tired: If you do, you are putting yourself and everyone else on the road at risk. Stop for a 15-minute break every two hours. Try to avoid long trips between midnight and 6 a.m. when your natural reactions are likely to be slower.

Tailgating: You should always leave at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front.

Jumping traffic lights: People have been killed and seriously injured when drivers have been too impatient to wait for a traffic light to change from red. Always obey the signals for your own and others’ safety.

Driving without your seat belt: It is illegal not to wear a seat belt while travelling in a car. Seat belt wearing saves lives every year.

Road rage: Why not think of others for a change and be patient and calm down. Would letting someone pull out in front of you or saying thank you cause you any extra hassle?

Share the road: Give other road users room – in respect og cyclists, give 1.5 m when overtaking.