Drivers & Riders

Every day, drivers die in road traffic accidents.

Many die as a consequence of inexperience, speeding, intoxication through drink or drugs or just plain recklessness.

Being a good driver is not just about the ability to control a car and having good reflexes but about attitude and being able to spot and understand dangers on the road.

Whenever and wherever you drive:

• Watch you speed
• Expect to encounter different road users
• Be patient
• Give others time and room
• Be ready for others to make mistakes
• Concentrate on your driving
• Never drive and use a mobile phone - You can easily be distracted from concentrating on the road
• Drive considerately
• Consider taking advanced driver training

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Safe Driving Advise-Seat belt

Seat Belts

Click to View Safe Driving Advise-Seat belt (MP3 Format; 840 kb)
Click to View Alternative Format for Safe Driving Advise-Seat belt

---

Young Drivers

Car crashes are the number one killers of YOUNG MEN in Ireland. 17 to 24 year old males account for just over 1 in 5 driver deaths (22%) yet this age group represent just 6% of the population. For every KM driven, a 17 year-old male is eight times more likely to be involved in a crash as a middle aged man. Females 17-24 are massively at risk as the victims of male speeding, frequently killed or maimed as passengers. There are many reasons for this.  However, inexperience and risk taking behaviour are among the biggest causes of crashes in this age group.

Speeding. What a sensation!!It may seem like fun but it is downright dangerous. The faster you travel the more likely it is that you will be involved in a car crash, and the faster you go, the harder you hit. The effects of speeding and being involved in a car crash can change your life forever.

Who Is Responsible for Road Safety?

Everyone. We all are responsible for driving, walking, and biking safely on our Nation's roads. The engineers and planners have the responsibility to make sure that roads are designed and operating properly -- with safety for all road users in mind. Drivers and pedestrians have the responsibility to always be alert and obey the traffic rules. Passengers should always buckle up and act responsibly. The Gardai and the courts have the responsibility to make sure that the traffic and pedestrian laws are enforced. Public safety agencies have the responsibility of responding to and securing crash locations and enforcing traffic laws. Local communities and county and state governments need to allocate funding for safe roads and increase public awareness about road safety. Everyone should take responsibility for roadway safety.

We all can make a difference.

10 Tips for Driving and Walking Safely

1. It's your responsibility to drive and walk safely so always be alert and attentive to the motorists and pedestrians around you.
2. Never drink and drive. And don't let friends drive drunk.
3. Always buckle up. The life you save could be your own.
4. Obey traffic signals and signs. They are there to keep you and others safe.
5. Make sure you have plenty of time to get to your destination so you don't feel pressured to speed or disobey traffic signals.
6. Don't give into road rage. Your life and the lives of your passengers are more important than angrily reacting to an irresponsible driver.
7. Pedestrians should always wear light-coloured or reflective clothing at night to be more visible to drivers.
8. Before you take a right turn at an junction, make sure it is safe to do so. (More than one-third of all deaths to vehicle occupants occur in side-impact crashes. Most of these occur at junctions.)
9. Obey the speed limits and make sure you drive carefully through junctions  and work zones.
10. Don't drive when you are drowsy. If you are drowsy, pull over at a rest area and take a nap before proceeding.

 

Road safety radio advertisement

Road safety advise

Click to View Road safety radio advertisement (MP3 Format Sound; 840 kb)
Click to View Alternative Format for Road safety radio advertisement

---

Plan Your Route

Knowing your route and being well informed about wether and road conditions as well as unusual traffic activity ahead: roadway crashes, road closures,work areas , or heavier than usual congestion helps drivers to head off traffic nightmares before they develope.

Usefull links when planning your route:

www.met.ie

www.aaroadwatch.ie/

Penalty Points

Penalty Points Poster

www.rsa.ie

---

For more information, contact:

Road Safety Officer
Mayo County Council
Aras an Chontae
The Mall
Castlebar
Co. Mayo
Phone: 094 9047115
Email:roadsafety@mayococo.ie
9am to 5pm