clubbers to get road safety message

crashed cars in forecourts for road safety message

crashed cars in forecourts for road safety message

Rally enthusiasts will be told to drive safely

Rally enthusiasts will be told to drive safely

Float builders get road safety incentive

Float builders get road safety incentive

LH float builders get road safety incentive

Date: February 19^th, 2007

Mayo County Council’s road safety officer Noel Gibbons has put up a special €100 prize for the best road safety float in each of the six leading parades in the county.

“The prize will be given out at the parades in Castlebar, Ballina, Ballinrobe, Kiltimagh, Claremorris, and Westport,” said Mr Gibbons.

“We want to keep road safety on people’s minds on St Patrick’s weekend, as it is a time when people socialise quite a bit and they need to take extra care on the roads.

“The big message, as always, will be that people should not drink and drive.”

-end-

Bike-to-school plan hailed

Story title: Bike-to-school plan hailed

Date: February 28, 2006

Pupils at a Co. Mayo secondary school where not one pupil cycles to school have been urged to get back on their bikes - and the initiative has been hailed by healthy living experts and road safety campaigners.

Over 440 pupils at Ballinrobe Community School have been invited to cycle to school this week in a special promotion aimed at unclogging the streets of the town.

"When we opened the school in 1990, we had about 40 students cycling to school every day. Now not one pupil cycles on a regular basis, which is a huge change in a short space of time," said Principal Louis O'Malley.

Bike-to-School Week is the brainchild of Mayo Road Safety Officer Noel Gibbons, and over the last two days over 20 children have gone back on the saddle. "The idea is to reduce the number of cars on the road which would play a big part in reducing the carnage we are witnessing on roads all over Ireland," said Mr Gibbons, a keen cyclist.

"Also, we would like to show children the benefit of cycling as a healthy activity. Many children are dropped to school by their parents and they could really cycle instead."

The scheme has been welcomed by Health Service Executive official Lisa

McGeehan. ". Regular physical activity, such as cycling a bicycle safely,

improves childrens' mental health and contributes to their growth and development. It results in increased self-esteem and perceived physical competence which are necessary variables that enable children to cope with mental stress," she said.

One teacher - Paddy Fahy - has set the tone by getting back on his bike for a 32-mile round trip to school every day this week. "Hopefully, this will result in more children cycling every day in the future," said Mr O'Malley.

All who cycle will be entered in a free draw.

-end-

Baxter Healthcare Pledges Support for Major Mayo Road Safety Campaign

13^th November 2006

Baxter Healthcare Pledges Support for Major Mayo Road Safety Campaign

Baxter Healthcare has partnered with Mayo County Council to support the ‘Major Mayo Road Safety Campaign’ which gets underway this week across the county.

Details of Baxter’s support were announced at a launch event at Baxter Castlebar today (Monday) which was attended by Superintendent J.P. Quirke and members of the Road Traffic Corps, Chris Regan, Clinical Nurse Manager, Accident & Emergency at the HSE Castlebar, Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer, Mayo Co Council and Caitriona Gannon, Environmental, Health & Safety Manager and Pat Gallagher, Plant Manager at Baxter.

The ‘Major Mayo Road Safety Campaign’ focuses primarily on two road safety aspects – defective and badly worn tyres and the wearing of high visibility clothing.  During the campaign motorists will be able to avail of free ‘health checks’ on their vehicles at 21 centres throughout the county and  High Viz Vests will be available to purchase at cost price at a range of outlets during the campaign.

Speaking at the launch, Noel Gibbons thanked Baxter for their great support for the campaign.

“Road safety is a top priority for everybody in the county. We are all heartbroken by the tragedies that have been suffered in recent times and we want to bring an end to road injuries and loss of life. Support from big companies like Baxter will drive awareness of this campaign and give it force and momentum so I commend all involved,” he added.

Baxter employs over 1,200 people at two plants in Castlebar and Swinford. As part of their involvement in the campaign, each employee will be presented with a free-of- charge High Viz Vest to help keep them safe during the forthcoming winter months.

ENDS

Child Safety in Cars DVD Aims to Reduce Deaths

Child Safety in Cars DVD Aims to Reduce Deaths

Almost half of all child deaths in the European Union (48%) are road related. This disturbing fact was revealed at a road safety drive held by Mayo County Council today, Friday June 16th in Castlebar General Hospital. The drive included the promotion of a 'Child Safety in Cars' DVD which was produced by the Road Safety Authority and supported by Opel Ireland.

The DVD is designed to help parents choose the correct child restraint for children between the ages of 0 - 14 years and with the help of experts, how to fit it safely into the car.

Quote A: "The greatest risk a child is exposed to on a daily basis is when travelling as a passenger in a car. Ensuring a child is properly restrained in a child car seat can reduce injuries by a factor of 90-95% for rear-facing seats and 60% for forward-facing seats."

Quote B: "Many parents feel that installing a child car seat safely is not as straightforward as it seems. The 'Child Safety in Cars' DVD aims to address this problem. It is full of expert advice and will assist parents in selecting the right car seat for their child and most importantly, how to fit it correctly." 

The golden rule is to ensure that children always travel in an approved child restraint that is suitable for the make of car, is suitable for their size and weight and is securely fitted in the car.

(Amend to include local details) 50,000 'Child Safety in Cars' DVDs have been produced to be distributed among Maternity Hospitals for inclusion in new mother to be demonstrations - GP Surgeries, Public Health Clinics, Crèches and Opel dealers. It is also available from the National Safety Council by calling locall 1890 200 844 or sending an email to info@nsc.ie. An information booklet entitled ‘Child Safety in Cars – A guide to selecting and fitting child restraints’ is also available from the NSC.

This is the first child safety in cars DVD to be produced in Ireland. It was developed in conjunction with child car seat installation experts Paul Kealy from Tony Kealy's Baby Store and Mark Bennett, Customer Services Manager, Britax. Expert advice was also received from Dr. Alf Nicholson, Our Lady's Hospital, Drogheda; Chief Superintendent John Farrelly, Head of Garda National Traffic Bureau and the National Roads Authority. The 'Child Safety in Cars' DVD is generously sponsored by Opel Ireland. 
ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Brian Farrell, National Safety Council, Tel: 01-4963422 / 086-3881009

Editors Note:
Child Safety in Cars - Key Points

• All children should be restrained when travelling in a vehicle

• Select a car seat that:

• conforms to the United Nations standard, ECE Regulation 44-03 (look for the E mark)

• is suitable for the child's WEIGHT and HEIGHT

• is suitable for the type of car 

• is correctly fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions

• It is safer to fit child seats in the rear of the car

• NEVER fit a rearward-facing baby seat in the front passenger seat of the car if an airbag has been fitted

• Do not buy or use a second hand car seat unless you know its history.

• Use the child seat for every single journey, no matter how short

• Don't let your child graduate to using a seat belt too soon. Your child will probably need assistance until they reach about 150cms / 5 ft (roughly 12 years of age).

• Ensure that your child is safely strapped in. You should only be able to slide one finger between the harness and your baby?s chest. If you can turn two fingers sideways, the harness is too loose.

• Drivers have a legal responsibility to ensure passengers aged under 17 use a seat belt or, if aged under 4, use an appropriate child restraint.

Law-breaking motorists to go back to school

Story title: Law-breaking motorists to go back to school

Date: December 21, 05

Judge Mary Devins has agreed that she will consider referring drivers who commit specific offences to a new Driver Improvement Programme run by the county council.

It is expected the discretionary referrals will start early in the New Year and will also feature motorists who were involved in crashes.

“Last year, 13 people died on the roads in Mayo, and already this year 14 have been killed. We are trying to reduce the figure and also to bring down the amount of crashes that don’t result in fatalities,” said Noel Gibbons Road Safety Officer of Mayo County Council.

“The aim of the programme is to improve driving skills, attitude and behaviour, and therefore reduce the likelihood of the drivers being involved in accidents or committing motoring offences in the future.”

The cost of the training will be borne by the offenders, and Gardai have welcomed the scheme.

-end-

motorists told to light up in bid to reduce road deaths

Story title: motorists told to light up in bid to reduce road deaths

Date: October 23, 2006

Motorists in Co. Mayo have been told to ‘light up’ in the latest bid to reduce road traffic deaths in the county.

The ‘Daylighted’ campaign is designed to promote the use of dipped headlights during daylight hours, and the Health Service Executive, Mayo County Council and Western Care Association have all instructed their staff to put their lights on at all times.

“From what we know about daytime road collisions half of them happen because drivers do not see other cars quickly enough. Turning your lights on makes it easier for other road users to see your car too. They see you more quickly so they can react faster. They are also less likely to take risks on the road as they can judge speed and distance more accurately,” said a spokesperson for the three organisations, who launched the campaign yesterday (MONDAY) as part of the nationwide Health and Safety Week.

“Evidence from other countries proves that if drivers use dipped headlights during the day – even a bright clear one – then across the EU we could save up to 5,000 lives and prevent 155,000 injuries each year. Even when a road collision occurs then if either vehicle is using dipped headlights the damage to the vehicles could cost up to 69% less.

“Imagine that if all drivers in Ireland used their dipped headlights when driving during the day we could reduce the number of collisions on Irish roads by 20%.”

-end-

bikers give thumbs-up to new safety jackets

Story title:  bikers give thumbs-up to new safety jackets

Date: September 26^th, 2006

A Co. Mayo clothing company has come to the rescue after calls from motorcyclists anxious to be safer and more visible on Ireland’s roads.

Bikers are six times more likely to be killed in road accidents than drivers of other vehicles, according to Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer of Mayo County Council.

And following approaches from bikers, Westport-based company Portwest have launched a new high-visibility jacket, the Evolution, designed specifically to keep bikers safe and seen – and it has been given the thumbs-up by bikers.

“I have worn the jacket in the worst of conditions and have stayed warm and dry, and I have felt very visible on the road. It is worth its weight in gold,” said keen biker Eamon Berry.

Shauna Feerick of Portwest said “the jacket has two body braces, one shoulder brace, and two arm braces” and is designed “with visibility and safety in mind.”

Said Mr Gibbons: “Anything that makes bikers safer and more visible on the road has to be welcomed as we attempt to tackle the problem of road deaths and serious injuries.”

-end-

A new motorcyclists training scheme operated by Mayo County Council

A new motorcyclists training scheme operated by Mayo County Council will help to save lives, according to AA Roadwatch.

The scheme, which will be launched in Castlebar today (FRIDAY), represents the first time a local authority outside Dublin has run a training course for motorcyclists, who are six times more likely to be killed on the country’s roads than car users.

“Motorcyclists are responsible road users, but the plain fact is that they are far more vulnerable on our roads. Proper, professional training can help to reduce that risk, and the scheme by Mayo County Council has the potential to save lives,” said Conor Faughnan of AA Roadwatch.

Motorbikes make up less than two per cent of licenced vehicles, but bikers account for at least 12% of road deaths. “The course involves 12 hours of training for motorbikers from accredited trainers, and we hope it will lead to safer roads for all,” said Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer, Mayo County Council.

“About 83 per cent of motorcyclists have never completd a professional rider training course, and we want to address that issue here in Mayo.”

-end

Clerics to bless Mayo roads in novel road safety bid

Story title: Clerics to bless Mayo roads in novel road safety bid

Date: April 11, 06

Clerics in Co. Mayo will this weekend bless the county’s roads in a novel ceremony aimed at reducing the number of people who die in traffic accidents each year.

A special ‘Blessing of the Roads Ceremony’ will take place during Masses and Services throughout the county on Easter Sunday as religious leaders back the campaign to make the roads safer.

The ceremony, which will place at all Catholic and Church of Ireland churches on Sunday next, is the brainchild of Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer of Mayo County Council.

“The Blessing of the Roads Ceremony takes places in parts of Australia each year to raise local awareness of road safety, and we are bringing it to Mayo this year,” said Mr Gibbons, who added that 15 people were killed on Mayo’s roads last year. The total so far this year is two.

He added: “The community makes improved road safety a goal in an effort to ensure that the grief associated with loss of life, or serious injury, does not come to them.

“This is the first year we have done the Blessing of the Roads Ceremony in Co. Mayo and we have got a very enthusiastic response. There are still too many drivers under the impression that an accident won’t happen to them.

“The trauma of road crashes to families and communities is devastating. A major focus of the campaign is to promote the issue of driver fatigue, drink-driving and speeding, as well as praying for the safety of not only all road users, but our Gardai and emergency services.”

Tuam archdiocese spokesperson Fr Fintan Monaghan said the church was “fully behind the campaign. We all need to play our part to reduce the number of road deaths.”

The proposed prayer is a variation on this old Irish blessing:

“May the roads rise to meet you.

May the wind be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

The rain fall soft upon your fields

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

May God provide you with the wisdom to consider

Your life and the lives of others on the roads you travel.”

 -end-

Free flags for Mayo fans – and a road safety message too

Story title: Free flags for Mayo fans – and a road safety message too

Date: August 16^th, 2006

One thousand Mayo fans travelling to Croke Park for a major football showdown this weekend are to be given free flags containing a road safety message.

The flags – in the famous red and green of Mayo – will be distributed at a well-known stopping-off point for Mayo fans heading for Croker on Sunday and will bear the message: “Drive To Arrive Alive.”

“Thousands of Mayo people will be travelling to see our county team play Laois, and we want to impress upon them the need to drive safely at all times. That is why we have produced 1,000 of these car flags with this message on them,” said Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer of Mayo County Council.

“We will be distributing the flags at Feerick’s Halfway House, Rathowen, Co. Westmeath, which is a popular place for Mayo people to stop for breakfast on their way to Croke Park.We will also be erecting a road safety information stand outside the restaurant at which we will distribute information on the penalty points system and other road safety details.”

And as part of their Summer Designated Driver campaign, Coca-Cola Bottlers have agreed to offer free bottles of their sports drink Powerade to designated drivers, in a bid to discourage drink driving.

Feerick’s is open from 7.30am on big match Sundays and the flags will be distributed free of charge on a first come, first served basis.

-end-

Pilgrimage motorists urged to drive safely

Story title: Pilgrimage motorists urged to drive safely

Date: July 27, 2006

Motorists travelling to Co.. Mayo this weekend for the world-famous Reek Sunday pilgrimage have been warned to take good care on the roads – and Mayo County Council are using the occasion to hammer home the message of road safety.

“Huge numbers travel to Murrisk to climb Croagh Patrick each Reek Sunday, and we will be running a major road safety awareness campaign on the day,” said Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer of Mayo County Council.

“We will be distributing about 3,000 high visibility vests which are crucial items for pedestrians walking at night, or motorists who have to stop their car in the event of a breakdown.

“Leaflets on road safety will also be distributed, and children will be given footballs with special road safety messages on them. Our aim is to avail of this major event to bring the message of road safety to the people.

“The Archbishop of Tuam, Most Rev. Michael Neary, and An Garda Siochana are backing the campaign. We will also be distributing information on the penalty points system.”

Mayo County Council has invited members of the public to contact them with suggestions for improving safety on the county’s road – suggestions can be emailed to saferoads@mayococo.ie, or posted to Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer, Mayo County Council, The Mall, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

Flashing signs urging motorists to slow down will be displayed at key vantage points on routes to Croagh Patrick. “We would ask people to drive slowly as this is a very busy weekend on our roads,” added Mr Gibbons.

-end-

Supermarket chain aims to reduce road deaths

Story title: Supermarket chain aims to reduce road deaths

Date: March 28, 06

As broadcaster Gay Byrne sets about tackling Ireland’s roads death crisis, a leading supermarket chain have come up with a novel way of making the roads safer.

Super-Valu have teamed up with Mayo County Council to provide thousands of high-visibility jackets at cost price pedestrians and cyclists.

“We want to play our part in reducing road deaths, and the hi-viz jackets are on sale at €2.99 at our stores in the major towns of Mayo – Westport, Castlebar, Claremorris, Ballyhaunis, Balinrobe, Ballina, Achill and Kiltimagh,” said Peter Minihane of Super-Valu.

The jackets have been supplied at a discount price by Mayo company PortWest, and Mayo Road Safety Officer Noel Gibbons has urged members of the public to buy the jackets.

“Be safe, be seen, is the motto. Now that the temperatures are starting to rise, more people will be out walking and cycling, and it is vital that they are seen,” he said.

Last year 15 people were killed on the roads of Mayo.

-end-

Fair City actor and Rose of Tralee in bid to reduce road deaths

Story title: Fair City actor and Rose of Tralee in bid to reduce road deaths

Date: February 20, 2006

Fair City actor Seamus Moran and Rose of Tralee Aoibhinn NiShuilleabhain have signed up to a campaign to reduce road deaths in their native Co. Mayo.

The pair are to undergo in a Fast Track Advanced Driving Programme where they will be given extensive training in safe driving.

Moran, who plays Mike Gleeson in the popular soap, and NiShuilleabhain are to sit an advanced driving test in a bid to bring attention to road safety in Mayo.

 “Last year road accidents alone cost over 400 lives in Ireland. Most accidents can be prevented if you approach driving with a proper attitude, good driving skills and a well maintained vehicle.  Safe driving needs to start before you even get behind the wheel with proper training,” said Mayo Road Safety Officer Noel Gibbons.

-end-

Mums-to-be to get road safety DVD

Story title: Mums-to-be to get road safety DVD

Date: June 23, 06

Mums-to-be will get more than labour tips when they turn up for ante-natal classes in Co. Mayo – the local council wants them to play their part in reducing road deaths.

Over 1400 children are born in Mayo each year, and now the county council and the National Safety Council are giving all parents a DVD on in-car safety when they turn up for ante-natal classes.

 “The greatest risk a child is exposed to on a daily basis is when travelling as a passenger in a car. The DVD shows the safest way of transporting children in cars,” said the council’s Road Safety Officer Noel Gibbons, who has also secured the support of Mayo General Hospital, where the ante-natal classes take place.

“Every year thousands of young children are killed or injured in car crashes all over Ireland. Parents can prevent this from happening by always using car safety seats and seat belts correctly.”

The DVD – jointly produced by the National Safety Council and Opel –  says parents should “always set a good example by wearing a seat belt themselves,” and it also emphasises that the back-seat is the safest place for children to travel.

 “The idea of giving out the DVD at ante-natal classes is an excellent one as it alerts people to the fact that safety is an issue for people of all ages, even baby children,” said Brian Farrell of the National Safety Council.

-end-

Free cup of tea to revive tired drivers

Story title: Free cup of tea to revive tired drivers

Date: July 28, 2006

Motorists who find themselves getting tired on Mayo’s roads over the Bank Holiday Weekend have been told to pull over for a cup of tea – and they will even get the cuppa for free.

Volunteers anxious to reduce the number of road deaths in Mayo have agreed to set up ten Driver Revive points at ten service stations around the county over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, which has traditionally been one of the most dangerous weekends on the roads.

“We want to encourage people to get into the habit of pulling over if they are starting to get tired while driving. A short stop, a stretch of the legs, and a cup of tea, can revive a driver and could be the difference between life and death,” said Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer of Mayo County Council.

“Barry’s Tea have agreed to sponsor the tea which the volunteers will distribute. Drivers should pull over if they struggle to remember the previous few miles they have travelled, or if they are drifting from lane to lane.

“Many accidents are caused by drivers continuing on their journey when they are starting to get tired. We hope our Driver Revive campaign will educate people about the need to take a break if they are tired.”

Mr Gibbons said that those who are at risk of becoming tired while driving include males under the age of 29, and commercial drivers, particularly those who undertake long journeys at night.

“No section of the population is immune to the risk, but there are also studies that show that shift workers whose sleep is disrupted by rotational work patterns are also in danger of nodding off while driving,” he said.

-end-

special leaflet with leaving cert results

Story title:  special leaflet with leaving cert results

Date: August 13^th, 2007

Leaving Cert students from Co. Mayo receiving their results tomorrow (WEDNESDAY) will get something extra – a message urging them to drive safely.

A road safety message will be included with their results informing them of the dangers they face on Irish roads

The idea is the brainchild of Mayo County Council’s road safety officer Noel Gibbons.

“After the stress and tension of the June exams it is perfectly understandable that young people will want to celebrate and let off some steam,” he said.

“But we want young people to be aware of the dangers in cars and not to put themselves or their friends at risk, especially when it comes to travelling to venues to celebrate.”

The leaflet carries statistical information about the implications of speeding and the likelihood of accidents among the 17 – 25 year-old age group.

 “We are also encouraging parents to stress the dangers of speed and drink driving to their teenage children, let this be a joyous occasion and not a memorable occasion for all the wrong reasons,” added Mr Gibbons.

-end-

Young drivers to be tested on safe driving

Road safety message for major football showdown

children to become junior road safety officers

Story title:  children to become junior road safety officers

Date: April 30^th, 2007

Over 40 sixth class pupils throughout Co. Mayo are to be trained as junior road safety officers in a bid to highlight road safety in the county’s primary schools.

“At least 20 schools have agreed to take part in the initiative which will see two children per school learn all they can about road safety, and then pass on that knowledge to their colleagues,” said Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer of Mayo County Council.

“They will distribute road safety materials and also run a variety of activities in the school.”

The pre-teen officers will erect a special noticeboard in their schools, and also design posters to focus attention on road safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

“The message we want to send out is that people of all ages have a part to play in making our roads safer. I know the children will show great enthusiasm for the project,” added Mr Gibbons.

-end-

Over 150 school kids to take part in cycle safety competition

parents warned of child car seat dangers

bank holiday hands-free safe driving appeal

Story title:  bank holiday hands-free safe driving appeal

Date: May 29^th, 2007

A special appeal has been made to drivers in Co. ‘keep your hands free for safe driving’ this Bank Holiday Weekend – and so they have been asked to put down their mobile phones, cups of coffee, make-up, and shaving machines while they’re behind the wheel.

Mayo County Council have teamed up with An Garda Siochana, the Health Service Executive and Axa Insurance to declare this a ‘hands free’ weekend in the county, in a bid to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads.

“We are using this weekend to emphasise once again to drivers that driving requires their full attention. You cannot concentrate properly on the road if you are doing other things. And you get four penalty pints and a €2000 fine if it goes to court,” said Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer of Mayo County Council.

Gardai in Mayo are to mount extra checkpoints in the county over the weekend.

End.

campaign to share the road launched

SKIP the Rush this Bank Holiday

Avoid the Bank Holiday  rush

Road Safety Officers urge public support for current Garda drink-driving enforce

CONNAUGHT & DONEGAL ROAD SAFETY OFFICERS’ PRESS RELEASE 11^TH JANUARY 2007

----------------------------------Beginning of Statement --------------------------------------------

 Road Safety Officers urge public support for current Garda drink-driving enforcement campaigns .

Road Safety Officers in Connaught and Donegal have appealed for full public support for current Garda enforcement  campaigns and mature informed discussions on the current media issues of drink driving and rural isolation.

“It is disappointing that after the second-lowest road death figures in 40 years that there is virtual media saturation on the claimed ‘negative’ effects of current Garda enforcement campaigns.

Let’s be clear about one thing – drink driving costs lives.

In the 1970s and 1980s  the pubs and dancehalls of Ireland were full of people who drank and drove.

In that 20 year period 10,729 people were killed on the nation’s roads and a further 168,727 were injured. Many of these fatalities were as a result of drink-driving.

Road deaths have fallen just under 30% in the last 5 months since the introduction of new drink-driving legislation in August and the extensive current Garda enforcement campaigns.

What exactly do the people of Ireland want? If they want lower road deaths on the nation’s roads then Garda enforcement is the major tool that is required to ensure this.

There are current claims that the Garda enforcement campaigns are leading to increased rural isolation. We would respectfully point out that isolation in rural areas has always been a problem as it has been in urban areas. In Dublin the ‘ALONE’ voluntary organisation was set up 30 years ago to help elderly people with many issues including loneliness and isolation. Current media debates on the problems of rural isolation are welcome but why aren’t representatives from organisations such as Age Action Ireland and the St. Vincent de Paul being invited to contribute to the discussion? At present these debates on rural isolation are being monopolised by drinks industry representatives.

We welcome Minister O’Cuiv’s announcement re a possible rural night-time transport system for rural dwellers in remote areas. We hope this proposed transport system will also be made available for non-drinkers and for those not interested in going to the local pub.

These people may wish to go to local community activities in parish halls and community centres.

As with the successful introduction of the smoking ban, where publicans responded positively by providing sheltered areas outside for patrons who wished to smoke, Connaught & Donegal Road Safety Officers hope that the current input to the debate by drinks industry representatives will move to discussing positive solutions. Innovative transport solutions, either individually or collectively by the drinks industry, could be pursued and supported to ensure that those who wish to have a few alcoholic drinks can do so without compromising their safety or indeed the safety of other road users. We note many rural publicans already provide this service.

We again repeat our support for the Garda enforcement campaigns which have saved dozens of lives in the last five months.

The message from Connaught & Donegal Road Safety Officers in relation to drink-driving is quite clear : ‘If you drink – don’t drive’.

sports stars back road safety campaign

Story title:  sports stars back road safety campaign

Date: December 15^th, 2006

Two of Co. Mayo’s leading sportspeople have endorsed a Christmas road safety campaign that will see designated drivers receive two free cans of Red Bull on a night out, plus a wristband denoting them as a ‘Lifesaver.’

Gaelic football stars Alan Dillon and Cora Staunton have backed a Mayo County Council initiative to reduce road deaths in the county this Christmas.

“We are delighted that Cora and Alan have thrown their weight behind this campaign, because we badly want to get the message out to people of all ages that it is dangerous to drive with drink on them, or while they are feeling tired,” said Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer, Mayo County Council.

According to Mr Gibbons, driving while tired is a major contributory to road accidents and the Lifesaver campaign – supported by Red Bull – aims to raise awareness of the “potentially deadly consequences of dozing off at the wheel.”

He added: People often nod off when not intending to – while sitting on the couch watching TV, during a long meeting, or reading a book or newspaper. No great harm is done if this happens.

“But if it happens while driving, even for a couple of seconds, the car is out of control.  At high speed, a crash is likely with a high risk of death or severe injury. If a driver falls asleep for just four seconds while travelling at a speed of 100 km/h the car will have gone 111 metres without a driver in control.

“That illustrates just how dangerous driving while tired is.”

Designated drivers will be given two free Red Bulls in participating pubs and clubs throughout Mayo, and Mr Gibbons hopes that locals will wear the ‘Lifesaver’ wristband as “a statement of support for the campaign at a time of the year when the joy of Christmas is destroyed for some families by serious road accidents.”

-end-

For my Girlfriend’ – a Valentine message

For my Girlfriend’ – a Valentine message
Press release - 9 Feb 2007

A timely safety campaign is reminding young drivers to help keep death off the roads.

Mayo's County Council’s Road Safety officer is organising a ‘For my Girlfriend’ campaign, which promotes safer driving to younger drivers and their passengers.

Young drivers are particularly at risk on our roads as they are relatively inexperienced, have a tendency to drive too quickly and are more likely to over-estimate their driving ability. They are more vulnerable to peer pressure and risk taking, which makes them more prone to accidents and the possibility of killing and injuring themselves and their passengers.

For my girlfriend confronts young male drivers with the appalling prospect of killing their girlfriend while they are driving too fast. The campaign targets males because more young females die as passengers than as drivers – often while being driven by their boyfriend.

Noel Gibbons, Mayo County Council’s senior road safety officer, said: “The campaign is aimed at male drivers between the ages of 16 and 25 years. It ‘piggybacks’ on a Valentines Day message, providing a timely reminder that driving with other young people in the car can be a distraction and have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.Over 1000 of these valentines Day cards with a hard hitting message will be distrubed to the local GMIT, FAS trainning centre and a local young drivers car club”

The Valentine card arrives in a sealed envelope with the words ‘For my Valentine’ apparently handwritten on it. The card carries the same message on the front, but inside the message is: ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to kill you. I was driving too fast’. The text is accompanied by a picture of  a wrecked car, with the emergency services in attendance.

Posters will appear in male washrooms in pubs and nightclubs and features a picture of  a crashed car . The headline says Speed Dating - more girls die as passengers than as drivers.Drive carefully when you're out as a couple''.The message is backed up by some interesting facts and figures about young drivers:

“The reality is that this makes young motorists think about the potentially terrible consequences of driving too fast – and, in time, it could help save lives.”


Young Drivers & Excessive Speed:

Car crashes are the number one killers of young men (16 - 25) in Ireland and driving at excess speed is the primary cause of these crashes.

Driver error was the cause of 81% of all fatal and injury crashes from 1997 to 2000. Male drivers aged between 18 and 24 represented (24%) the majority of these drivers. Statistically 17-24 year olds are 7.7 times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious injury collision. (Source: NRA)

The profile of the young driver most likely to be killed/injured in car crash is:

• Male, 17 - 25 age group, licence holder for less than two years.  
  

MAJOR Mayo SAFETY CAMPAIGN WILL highlight ILLEGAL AND BADLY WORN TYRES and defe