Road safety campaign for Mayo island launched
‘From Scenic Strolls to Safe Arrivals’ is the theme of the new pedestrian road safety campaign that was launched by Mayo County Council's Road Safety Office in conjunction with Achill Tourism and An Garda Síochána.
The awareness campaign aims to get holiday makers and locals alike to think about pedestrian road safety during the busy summer months, especially if walking on the island in the evening.
A supply of free high-viz vests and armbands will be available to the public in a number of business locations across the island as part of the campaign.
The campaign was launched on the stunning Atlantic Drive in Cloughmore on Achill Island. Launching the campaign were Councillor Paul McNamara, Frances Mitchell, road safety officer, Mayo County Council, Chris McCarthy, Achill Tourism, Sergeant Sinead Barrett, Inspector Marie Hayes and Lisa Fitzsimmons, Keel Camping.
Speaking at the launch, Frances Mitchell said: “Mayo County Council are encouraging all road users and in particular those walking on the roads to think about road safety, especially on narrow roads during the summer months that will have larger volumes of traffic compared to other times of the year.
“The sun might be shining and the evenings long, but that is not an excuse to not wear a high-viz vest while walking. They are for your own safety and the safety of all road users; nobody wants a holiday to turn into a tragedy.”
Sergeant Sinead Barrett added: “Road safety is a key concern for us all year round, but during the summer months in particular, there are added dangers with large numbers of tourists not familiar with areas potentially at greater risk of injury or death. This campaign will raise awareness for both tourists and locals alike to be safe and be seen, when walking on roads this summer in Achill.”
Chris McCarthy from Achill Tourism went on to say: “We pride ourselves in Achill on being the most welcoming of locations for tourists, where memories are made that last a lifetime.
“We want to make sure everyone can enjoy themselves while they are here and do so as safely as possible. Achill Tourism is fully behind this initiative to keep both visitors and the locals alike safe while enjoying our beautiful area.”