Plea to travelling GAA fans – don't mark car in front too tightly

WITH two Connaught counties competing in Limerick this Saturday, thousands of Galway and Mayo GAA fans will be on the roads heading to the Gaelic Grounds.

Fans are being given a special ‘drive safely’ message ahead of the weekend - Mind The Gap and Don’t Be a Space Invader.

Stay safe, stay back, is the message from two local authorities as they reveal the extent - and impact - of tailgating on the country’s major roads and motorways.

A recent survey of Irish motorists found that almost four in five drivers have noticed tailgating – another vehicle getting dangerously close to the rear of yours.

While Mayo goalkeeper David Clarke will be minding the gap between the goal posts, both counties road safety offices are asking motorists to mind the gap on the road.

A small minority of tailgating is deliberate but most is unintentional by drivers who are simply unaware they are dangerously invading someone else’s space.

“We want people to drive safely this weekend. There will be a huge volume of traffic on the roads for the games, and we urge people to take care and to ensure that their trip to this great sporting occasion does not end in tragedy,” said Noel Gibbons, Mayo road safety office.

Added Deirdre Caulfield, road safety officer at Galway County Council: “If you get too close to the car in front, you won’t be able to react and stop in time if they suddenly brake. Tailgating makes the driver in front feel targeted and victimised, distracting their attention from the road ahead and making them more likely to make a mistake.

“It is intimidating and frightening if you’re on the receiving end. If that leads to a collision, then people in both vehicles could end up seriously injured or killed.

“We want everyone to travel safely. We are advising people to keep a safe distance between them and the car in front them and asking drivers not to use of the mobile phones while driving.”

Noel Kelly, Western Regional Traffic Superintendent, added: “Firstly, we want all fans to have a great day out, and we want all road users to change their behaviours and make these changes part of their lives in the future, which will save lives and reduce serious injuries on our roads.”