Mayo road safety officer in New Year plea

Mayo road safety officer Noel Gibbons has issued a plea to all public road users to help keep roads safer in the coming year.

Noel Gibbons said: “We all have a responsibility to make our roads safe.

"Drivers, by simply obeying the road rules - sticking to the speed limit, not driving impaired, always wearing a seatbelt and not using a mobile phone - can help reduce the number of people being killed and seriously injured on our roads.

"Other road users also have an important role to play. Passengers can hold drivers accountable for safe driving and speak up if they feel unsafe.

"Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are our most vulnerable road users and are encouraged to manage their risks on the roads by wearing protective and highly visible clothing.

"While all road users should be looking out for each other, these vulnerable road users will come off worse in a crash, no matter who is at fault.

"So make a New Year's resolution to help reduce the road toll and start that resolution today."

Top 10 New Year Resolutions for Traffic Safety

10. To share the road with pedestrians and cyclists.

9. To drive with my dipped lights on during day light hours.

8. To give myself plenty of distance between me and the vehicle in front of me.

7. To give myself plenty of time and not to speed.

6. To be courteous to other drivers and to use my indicators.

5. To use my common sense by paying attention when I drive and to drive responsibly.

4. To never drink and drive.

3. "I will keep my eyes on the road": Not on your mobile phone, vanity-mirror or your breakfast roll. Avoid unnecessary distractions. This also means no talking on the phone while driving, and certainly no texting!

2. To make sure that I and everyone in my vehicle is belted up.

1. "I will keep it cool on the road": Road rage can have some serious repercussions, stress you out or make your daily commute a daily bother.