This August Bank Holiday period the Donegal Road Safety Working Group is appealing to all road users to take extra care when using the roads.
People assume that there are more risks in the wintertime because of the poor weather, poor road conditions and more hours of darkness. But summertime is more dangerous.
Since 2010, 256 people have died in June, July and August as a result of road traffic collisions. There have been 89 deaths on our roads so far in 2015 with 17 road fatalities to date in July.
Speed has been identified as a key risk factor in road traffic injuries, influencing both the risk of a road crash as well as the severity of the injuries that result from crashes.
Bank holiday weekends are notoriously dangerous
Bank holiday weekends are notoriously dangerous periods for all road users as the number of people travelling on roads nationwide increases dramatically. We appeal to each and every one of you to play your part in reducing the tragedy that road fatalities and serious injury collisions bring upon families in Donegal. Please be conscious that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Remember - stay safe, wear the appropriate safety clothing at all times when cycling and walking, slow down, never drive having consumed alcohol or drugs. Be aware of the warning signs of driver fatigue, know the risks and keep yourself and your family safe. Always wear your seatbelt and never use your mobile phone while driving.
Fixed Charge Notices, January – March 2015
Speeding = 47,077 Seatbelts = 2,377 Mobile Phones = 6,737
Supervise young drivers
We are also pleading with parents to become more assertive in supervising their young drivers, be satisfied that the car they are driving is roadworthy and spend time supervising their learning to drive. Look out for the signs of high risk behaviour. Do they return home with a damaged vehicle? Do they wear out tyres regularly? Do they drive unaccompanied or in overcrowded vehicles?
If your son or daughter is travelling as a passenger, be satisfied that the driver is fully qualified and responsible.
An uncomfortable conversation with your son or daughter today may well prevent guilt and heartbreak for many years.
Let us continue to strive to ensure that 2015 is a safer year on the roads in Donegal.
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