Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority are appealing for people to stay safe on the road this Bank Holiday weekend, as road deaths have spiked so far this year.
This weekend is a new bank holiday weekend introduced by the Government in recognition of the public’s response and solidarity with each other during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bank Holidays see many people out celebrating over the weekend, as well as increased traffic on the road, which can be a deadly combination.
Last year saw 156 people killed on the road in Ireland, the highest number since 2016.
In January of this year alone there have been 18 people killed in traffic collision, the highest number for this month in a decade.
Here in Galway, a man in his 60s was killed in a three vehicle collision in Ballinasloe a week and a half ago on January 23.
An Garda Síochána and the RSA are appealing to all road users to continue to demonstrate that public solidarity and ‘Stay Safe’ this weekend.
Assistant Garda Commissioner Paula Hilman said, “Bank Holiday Weekends are a very busy time on the roads and our experience is that the risk of fatal and serious injury collisions increases during these periods.”
“Similarly to other bank holidays this weekend we will be focusing on the four lifesaver offences; driving under the influence, speeding, non-wearing of seatbelts and mobile phone use.”
“An Garda Síochána will engage with the public and work with our partners to keep people safe on our roads, this bank holiday weekend.”
People driving on rural roads are particularly being urged to drive cautiously, as this is where most fatal crashes take place.
Drivers are urged to drive with dipped headlights during the day, especially if they do not have Daytime Running Lights.
Pedestrians are advised to wear high visibility at night on roads without public lighting and footpaths.
Cyclists should wear safety helmets and ensure they have a white light to the front and red light to the back so they are visible to pedestrians and drivers.
