Be safe, be seen this bank holiday, road users urged

Road users have been urged to ‘be safe and be seen’ as darker evenings draw in with the clocks going back this bank-holiday weekend.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and gardaí have said the most effective way for road users to be safe is to wear high-visibility clothing such as a hi-vis vest or a Sam Browne belt when walking, cycling, or motorcycling, and by ensuring you have working lights on your bicycle, motorcycle, and car.

Over the past five years, six people have been killed in road traffic incidents and 33 people have been seriously injured during the October bank-holiday weekend.

To date this year, 159 people have died on Irish roads, an increase of 32 when compared to the same period last year.

An RSA survey conducted last year found the number of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists wearing high-vis clothing was on the increase.

In particular, the number of cyclists and motorcyclists wearing reflective clothing had jumped by more than 20% on 2014 levels.

Meanwhile, some 41% of pedestrians said they always or often wear reflective gear such as a hi-vis jacket, vest, or belt when out walking. However, this was a decrease of 8% when compared to 2014.

The survey also found those living in rural areas were more likely to wear high-vis gear than those in urban areas (43% compared to 16%).

The RSA and gardaí are also urging motorists to ensure lights are in working order. An observational study conducted by the RSA in November 2015 found one in ten vehicles surveyed had at least one defective light. The problem was more prevalent on rural roads than urban roads, and vehicles were more likely to have defective front lights (5%) than rear lights (3%).

RSA chief executive Moyagh Murdock said it was encouraging to see more and more road users wearing high-vis clothing.

“It really is critical that road users ensure they are visible to others on the road, every time they go out for a walk, cycle, or on the bike,” she said. “Don’t leave it to chance or expect other road users to see you — it might be too late before they do.

“For parents and guardians, if your child walks or cycles to school, make sure they can be seen by ensuring they wear reflective clothing and have working lights on their bicycle.

“If your child gets the bus to school, it’s also important that they can be seen at the bus stop by the bus driver and other road users.”

Garda Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid said it was important motorists properly maintain their vehicles and ensure lights are in working order.