1 in 6 Road Fatalities Are Pedestrian. Will You See Them?

Friday 21st December  is the shortest and Darkest Day of the year!

156 people have died on Irish roads and 1 in 6 of those were walking. So if you’re out on the roads make sure drivers can see you.. we don’t need any more statistics!

Enjoy Christmas at Home this year – not in Hospital or Worse…

Be Seen. It’s simple and makes a difference!

road safety tips, pedestrian

 

Some words of Wisdom with a Healthy dose of Facts from the Road Safety Authority:

 

BE THE BRIGHTEST ON THE SHORTEST AND DARKEST DAY OF THE YEAR!

– ‘National Be Safe Be Seen Day’ takes place tomorrow –

 

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and Electric Ireland today launched the second annual ‘National Be Safe Be Seen Day’ which will take place tomorrow Friday 21 December, the shortest and darkest day of the year. With fewer hours of daylight during the winter months, the aim of ‘National Be Safe, Be Seen Day’ is to remind all road-users how important it is to be seen by wearing high visibility material when out walking, cycling or motorcycling, or using dipped headlights when driving, in order to stay safe on the road.

To date this year (Thursday 20 December), 156 people have died on Irish roads.  Among the fatalities were 26 pedestrians, representing almost 1 in 6 of all fatalities to date this year. Almost half of all pedestrians killed were 61 years of age and older. 16 motorcyclists and eight cyclists have also been killed on the roads so far this year.

Mr Noel Brett, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority said: “In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in the number of people walking, cycling and motorcycling, and it is encouraging to see so many of these road-users wearing high visibility material when out on the roads. However, to date this year, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists have accounted for 1 in 3 road fatalities which highlights just how vulnerable these road-users are.”

“With fewer hours of daylight, it is even more important for people to be visible when out on the roads. Wearing high visibility material such as a vest, jacket or Sam Browne belt, is the simplest way to make sure you can be see by other road-users when you are out walking, cycling or motorcycling. So we would encourage everyone to get their viz on to show their support for ‘National Be Safe Be Seen Day’. It could help to save a life.”

Ms Brid Horan, Executive Director, Electric Ireland said: “Over the past three years, Electric Ireland has proudly partnered with the Road Safety Authority to promote the message of high visibility on the roads. To support that message, we have distributed over 250,000 hi vis vests to children starting school, helping to ensure that our youngest and most vulnerable road-users are kept safe when walking or cycling to school. This is even more important as the evenings get darker, so we’re delighted to support National ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ Day and any campaign that promotes safety on our roads.”

This year, the RSA has also teamed up with MAG (Motorcyclists’ Action Group) Ireland to promote the message of high visibility for the motorcycling community.

Mr. Proinnsias Breathnach, Research Officer, MAG Ireland added:“High visibility clothing is particularly important for motorcyclists at this time of year and that is why we are delighted to support the Road Safety Authority’s ‘National Be Safe Be Seen Day’. Every year, motorcyclists are over represented in terms of road fatalities so it is important for all motorcyclists to ensure they are clearly visible when out on the roads. Equally motorists need to “Look again” for motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians, especially before pulling out or changing course.”

The Road Safety Authority is also reminding drivers to use their Daytime Running Lights and drive with their dipped headlights, no matter what time of day it is. Using dipped headlights during the day makes it easier to see oncoming vehicles in the distance and can help to prevent daytime head-on and front-corner collisions.

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