Kildare County Council is supporting Road Safety Week from 3rd – 9th October, promoting road safety awareness and encouraging positive road user behaviour.
A recent spike in fatal road traffic collisions on Ireland’s roads has seen an increase in road traffic collisions in County Kildare which have resulted in serious or fatal injuries to road users.
Impaired driving such as drink and drug driving, speeding, using a mobile phone or smart device while driving and the non-wearing of seatbelts are all common factors in many serious collisions.
As part of Road Safety Week from 3rd to 9th October, Kildare County Council will promote road safety awareness throughout the week while Kildare Gardaí will continue its roads policing and enforcement during road safety week. Both the Gardaí and Kildare County Council are inviting all road users across Kildare to make a fresh start on making the roads safer for everyone.
Inspector Tony Connaughton, Naas Garda Station, stated, “An Garda Síochána will continue its enforcement of Life Saver offences during Irish Road Safety Week. There had been an alarming increase in road fatalities so far in 2022. We would like to thank all those road users who endeavoured to improve safety on our roads, unfortunately however, in general, there are some people who continue to disregard the safety message. An Garda Síochána remains committed to ensuring compliance with road traffic legislation to improve safety on our roads, but every road user can play their part too”.
Increasing road safety awareness is an important element of road safety week, while delivering road safety education in schools and the community continue to be an ongoing vital part of Kildare County Council’s role in road safety promotion. Changing the mindset of road users, however, can be a challenge.
Declan Keogh, Road Safety Officer, Kildare County Council, said, “while many people adapted to various health changes during the pandemic, and there were many, some people are still reluctant to adapt to crucial measures to keep themselves safe on the roads. People in general have been good, but there are still some who need to change their attitudes and improve their behaviour on the road. Positive road user behaviour, when the motorist, cyclist, pedestrian, or passenger are all adhering to and obeying the rules of the road and following the advice and guidance provided by road safety stakeholders, means everyone is playing their own part in keeping themselves and those around them safe on the roads.”
Source: Kildare County Council
