United forces as local authorities combine to promote a safe winter

A media campaign in Limerick brings together An Garda Síochána, the HSE, and the local authority in a bid to combat road deaths, improve mental health, and keep communities safe.

Running for the next three weeks, the pilot project focuses on a different theme weekly during winter.

Road safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians is first on the agenda. Voiced by professionals dealing with road crashes on a daily basis, the ads highlight the impact accidents have on people and communities.

Head of the Limerick Garda division traffic corps Inspector Paul Reidy, senior assistant chief fire officer with Limerick Fire and Rescue Service Scott Keenan, and emergency medicine consultant at the University Hospital Limerick Gareth Quin urge listeners to slow down and drive safely.

The ads also include the preventative measures that road users can take to reduce the likelihood of being involved in a crash. Backed by other initiatives and events such as road checkpoints and the distribution of hi-vis jackets, the agencies involved are appealing to people to slow down and drive responsibly.

Chief Superintendent David Sheahan says: “There is responsibility on all of us, every time we use our roads, to drive safely and think of others — failing to do so can have drastic and life-changing consequences.”

The second week of the campaign will focus on mental health and general well-being throughout the winter, with the third week of the campaign focusing on making homes and communities more secure.

Bernard Gloster, chief officer with the HSE Mid West, says: “Our public service agencies work together in many different ways. This winter we are making a special effort to enhance this. We are joining forces to provide the public with key messages of vital importance during the winter months.”

Limerick City and County Council chief executive Conn Murray said the initiative is about co-operation.

“This pilot scheme will see the three agencies becoming proactive in highlighting issues affecting our communities, and providing the public with important and possibly life-changing advice,” said Mr Murray.