Gardaí issue Easter safety appeal to all road users

AN Garda Síochána is appealing to all road users to act responsibly and make the Easter period a safe time for everyone.

All persons using a vehicle should be aware of the road safety campaign which will focus primarily on driving while intoxicated, speeding, failure to wear seat belts, distraction driving, dangerous/careless driving and lighting of vehicles.

Ernie White, Acting Regional Roads Policing Superintendent, Western Region, explained: “The objective of this campaign is to reduce road traffic collisions, save lives, and reduce injuries and to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding on Irish roads.

“Motorists are advised that inappropriate speed, drink driving, seatbelts and faulty tyres are the greatest contributory factors to road deaths and serious injuries.

“Drivers should pay attention to the speed limit signs 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.

“Gardaí will be patrolling the road network throughout western region over the easter period, in both marked and unmarked vehicles, which will target driving while intoxicated, dangerous driving, distraction driving and speeding.

“The operations will consist of mandatory intoxicating testing checkpoints - both during daylight and at night – and the use of all speed enforcement technologies, including laser handheld devices, in-car detection systems and Go Safe vehicles in the various speed enforcement zones.

“Drivers are reminded that in addition to mandatory breath testing, they can be breath-tested if they commit any road traffic offence.

“Drivers are urged to take all necessary steps to ensure that their vehicles are safe. In particular, ensure that cars have tyres fitted that comply with current regulations, are up to standard and roadworthy – as tyre offences are subject to penalty points.

“Over the past number of years, defective tyres were the most significant contributory factor identified in almost two thirds of fatal collisions.”

Over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend motorists  are urged to:

1. Slow down and drive at appropriate speed – take into account road type/condition, weather conditions and traffic volumes.

2. Allow plenty of time for your journey - take regular breaks – do no drive if you are tired or try to fight the tiredness – pull over, take a 15/20 minute nap followed by a coffee and some fresh air.

3. Ensure everyone in vehicles is wearing their safety belt – Don’t take a chance – “Buckle Up.”

4. Make sure all children are in a suitable safety seat.

Gardaí are also urging vulnerable road users - such as cyclists and pedestrians - to make sure that they are wearing High Viz. clothing right throughout the day but especially during hours of darkness.

Pedestrians need to understand that if they are out socialising they need to make arrangements to get home safely as research shows that alcohol could be a factor in almost a third of pedestrian deaths. In turn, 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.