Public warned on road, water safety over Bank Holiday

MOTORISTS and anyone taking to the sea have been warned to take extra care over the Bank Holiday weekend.

More than 20 people died in Easter time road collisions over the last five years.

Figures released yesterday showed that from 2001 to 2005, 21 people lost their lives in 19 holiday collisions. A further 538 were left with serious injuries.

The National Safety Council is urging motorists and pedestrians to take extra care this weekend.

“A total of 21 people never made it home over the Easter period in the last five years following collisions on Irish roads,” said Noel Brett, acting chief executive.

“To avoid a repeat of this needless loss of life I would urge all road users to take great care and show consideration for others when using the roads this Easter.”

So far this year, 113 people have been killed in 96 collisions.

Mr Brett continued: “We see the car as an extension of our home, a safe environment for our families. But using the roads is the most dangerous thing we do every day. We forget this and underestimate the risks we face on the roads.

“These risks are greatly increased over bank holiday periods. It’s a time when the roads are busier than normal, with people taking short breaks and vulnerable road users such as walkers, cyclists and bikers taking to the roads in greater numbers. If we are aware of these added dangers while enjoying the break we will all get home safely.”

Safety tips for drivers include: always drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions and circumstances, never drive while impaired by alcohol, drugs or tiredness, don’t tailgate and take frequent breaks.

Pedestrians are warned to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, to walk on a footpath, if there is no footpath, to walk on the right hand side of the road facing traffic, carry a torch on country roads and wear bright clothing with reflective armbands.

Boating enthusiasts were also warned to take extra care, with a full moon set to cause higher than normal spring tides.

John Leech of Irish Water Safety said up to 43,800 people will head out on yachts and boats over the bank holiday with even more enjoying other sports on the water.

“If you intend to enjoy our aquatic environment this Easter then make water safety your foremost concern.”

Mr Leech called on sailors to obey a few simple rules: always wear a life jacket, drink sensibly and watch out for dangerous sea conditions.

IWS said a full moon this Thursday night will cause spring tides bringing with it higher seas and more severe tidal streams.

Walkers were warned of the increased risk of becoming stranded along the coast while swimmers and divers have also been told to exercise caution on wreck or drift dives due to stronger than normal currents.

Sailors should also take extra care with strong tidal streams expected along with strong eddies caused by the winds pushing against high tides posing an increased risk for small boat users, the IWS said.