A plea to people to be safe on the roads over the Bank Holiday weekend has been issued after it was revealed that the North-West continues to have the highest rate of road deaths in the country.
Donegal County Council and the Donegal Road Safety Working Group urges vigilance and calls on everyone to take responsibility for safe travel this May Bank Holiday Weekend.
As the May Bank Holiday approaches, the Donegal Road Safety Working Group is issuing a heartfelt appeal to all road users, urging them to exercise heightened caution during this busy period.
With road traffic expected to surge in the coming days, the risk of accidents escalates, posing a threat to the safety of all that use the roads.
As of last Monday, 70 people have lost their lives on our roads, an increase of (22) more than this time last year.
The North West of the country continues to have the highest proportion of fatalities with (21) so far this year, and (23) this time last year.
Tragically, bank holiday weekends often witness a spike in road-related incidents, inflicting irreparable harm on families. Last year, the month of May recorded one of the highest fatality rates on our country’s roads.
It is also notable that across 2023, almost half – 48% – of fatalities on our roads occurred between Friday and Sunday alone.
As road safety is a collective responsibility, this demands commitment from everyone in averting further tragedies, the Donegal Road Safety Working Group urge good practices to be adhered to:
- Ensure seatbelts are worn at all times.
- Drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions and environment.
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
- Wear appropriate safety clothing when cycling and walking.
- Be vigilant for signs of driver fatigue and take regular breaks.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs; always designate a driver or arrange alternative transport.
- Avoid distractions by refraining from using mobile phones while driving.
- Anticipate unforeseen circumstances and prioritise the safety of vulnerable road users.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Martin Harley said “far too many lives are lost on our roads every year and families are destroyed. We as a family got that knock on the door. Please respect the road and ensure no more families lives are torn apart.”
“By adhering to good practices, we can jointly mitigate risk of accidents and safeguard precious lives.
“We are asking everyone using our roads this long weekend to take extra caution and look out for each other to ensure a safe and enjoyable May Bank Holiday.”
The Donegal Road Safety Working Group is an interagency group consisting of Donegal County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, An Garda Siochana, Road Safety Authority, Donegal Youth Service, An Taisce, Donegal ETB, Foroige and HSE Ambulance Service.
