Motorway safety campaign launched

Over 100 people have been killed or seriously injured on Ireland's motorways since 2005.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) today launched its Motorway Safety Campaign, urging motorists to re-educate themselves on motorway driving.

The RSA in particular warned pedestrians to never walk on motorways.

Three pedestrians have been killed on Irish motorways already this year, compared to four such fatalities for the whole of 2010.

“The message is clear: never ever walk on a motorway," said Noel Brett, RSA chief executive.

"Pedestrians are at a massive risk on a motorway – you are taking your life in your hands and putting other road users in danger too.

AA Ireland is also urging drivers to respect the hard shoulder - saying many motorists use it as a sort of convenience lane to check on children or make phonecalls.

“Motorways and the new high grade dual carriageways are extremely safe roads," said Conor Faughnan of AA Roadwatch.

"Statistically, they are the safest roads that we have. But that does not mean there is no danger”

Some motorway behaviour is inexcusable, the AA said.

Cork-based AA Patrol member Noel Nedham saids: “I recently attended one motorist who reversed back up the motorway on a punctured wheel in the pitch black to get to the nearest exit.

"I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Not only did he commit an offence, he also posed a massive risk to himself and other drivers.”

A new 40-second TV ad on motorway driving has been launched to raise awareness of safety issues.