The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána have launched a new road safety campaign urging road users to be extra cautious as the roads get busier. It also focuses on the fact that some roads have been changed due to increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians. It follows the lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions which now allow travel within a 20km limit of the home or within the county boundary.

The new road safety campaign is titled ‘We’re on the road back. Make it a safer one’ and reminds drivers about the increased awareness required to cope with more pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers are being urged to slow down, avoid distractions while driving and to take care when passing pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians are reminded to use the footpath and if there is none, to walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.

In addition, the RSA and An Garda Síochána are reminding car owners to ensure their vehicle, which may not have been driven for some time, is roadworthy by undertaking some basic maintenance checks in advance of setting off. Drivers are also being encouraged to make sure they are comfortable and familiar with their vehicles again before going on any journey.

Mr. Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport said, praising the public’s restrait in the face of Coronavirus, “Road safety is also a public health issue and we need to see the same commitment from all road users to saving lives on our roads. We know from the data that most road deaths are preventable; most collisions are as a result of human behaviour. So just as we have adapted our behaviour in the face of a pandemic, we must be prepared to change our behaviour to meet the challenges with more of us walking and cycling on the road.”

Ms Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson of the RSA said, “In the run up to COVID-19 travel restrictions being put in place, we saw a spike in road traffic collisions. In fact, over the six days from 17 to 22 March, there were nine people killed on the roads. I am concerned that this may be repeated as travel restrictions are gradually lifted.” She added: “In the period covered by the start of government measures (13 March) up to 7 June 2020, the end of Phase 1, there were 26 fatalities compared to 35 over the same period in 2019. While fewer people were killed during the period of restrictions, the level of road deaths was unacceptably high when you consider there was a 70% drop in traffic volumes. I am also fearful that as people start getting back on the roads, they will fail to realise that there is now a changed environment on our roads, not only are children on their summer holidays, there are more people out walking and cycling, all the while trying to social distance. As the restrictions are relaxed, it is more
important than ever that we share the roads safely. Drivers need to slow down and be mindful of these vulnerable road users.”

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána, also commented, “The landscape in our cities is changing due to the increased allocation of road space to cycle lanes and pedestrian pathways. We are appealing to all road users, country-wide, to continue to be vigilant while on the roads – be aware of changed road layouts and be mindful of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motor cyclists.

The RSA and An Garda Síochána ‘We’re on the road back. Make it a safer one’ campaign, includes two new radio adverts that will air on national and local radio. It will be supported by digital and social media activity.