Appeal to walkers on Mayo roads to wear hi-vis clothing

PEDESTRIANS in Mayo are being urged to pull on hi-vis clothing when out walking on the roads.

The appeal has come from the cathaoirleach of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District, Councillor Michael Burke, who voiced his concern for people's safety at the authority's monthly meeting.

The amount of people out walking without hi-vis jackets has come to his notice, particularly in the last two or three weeks. People are walking in dark places, wearing dark clothes, he said, and if there's a car coming against you, you haven't a hope.

Only the other evening a family member almost hit one individual, said Councillor Burke.

If people don't 'cop on' and wear their hi-vis vests there will be more accidents, he warned, and it won't be the fault of drivers.

Even if walking on footpaths in dark clothes, when people go to cross the road you cannot see them, he added.

“You can't walk down the road and just hope no one is going to hit you,” said Councillor Burke.

Hi-vis vests are so important and he highlighted how they are available free of charge from Mayo County Council, and most councillors also have them in their offices.

He appealed: “I would ask people, please wear a jacket.”