A surge in walkers on Donegal’s roads and footpaths is putting the lives of pedestrians in real danger.
That’s the view of Donegal’s Road Safety Officer Brian O’Donnell who today issued a plea for walkers to have more consideration when out and about.
Mr O’Donnell said there has been a huge spike in incidents of people having near misses with traffic.
He appealed to people to take extra care when out and about on Donegal’s footpaths revealing his office has been swamped with complaints from walkers.
He especially appealed to groups of walkers to show manners and to get in file when people out walking alone are trying to get by on footpaths.
He said “This is a serious issue and we have had a large number of people contacting us asking us to get the message out there.
Donegal County Council Road Safety Offcier Brian O’Donnell. (North West Newspix)
“There have been a number of near misses where people out walking alone were literally bullied out onto the road by groups of walkers who will not get into single file and allow people to pass by.
“I have actually witnessed it myself when out walking and it is so dangerous.
“If we do not show some more decency and common courtesy to eachother, somebody is going to be seriously hurt by being forced into oncoming traffic.”
He also asked walkers to ensure they wear high viz jackets even in the daytime when it is bright reminding people they are free from all council offices.
He added “People need to be seen no matter what time of day or night.
“Very often people are caught when they go out on a walk and it gets dark suddenly. We have not reached the long evenings yet and darkness comes upon us quicker than we think.
“I would appeal to people to wear hi-viz bibs at all times and they are free of charge if they get ion contact with their local council.”
