Traditionally, bank holiday periods are a time to relax and enjoy, but all too often they are marred by fatal or serious road collisions - so Mayo County Council Road Safety is undertaking a new initiative for this bank holiday weekend.

Mayo County Council have teamed up with An Garda Siochana to support the ‘A breath of fresh air' campaign.

The campaign is called a 'A Breath of fresh air'' as its aim is to encourage drivers to plan their actions before they head out on their travels. Car air fresheners will be handed out by volunteers at Garda check points across County Mayo. These fresheners will have road safety slogans on them in an effort to remind drivers to freshen up on their driving skills and to think about the consequences that driving tired, speeding, drink driving, the non-wearing of seatbelts and using a mobile phone while driving can have. Sadly, many drivers are still falling into old habits, some of which can prove potentially lethal.

Mayo's Road Safety Officer Noel Gibbons said the August bank holiday weekend is by far one of the busiest and unfortunately the deadliest weekends on the roads. Using the roads is one of the most dangerous thing we do everyday, and people do so in a fashion that comes as second nature to them.

Conor Faughnan , Director of Policy AA Ireland said: "This is a really clever way to highlight the fatigue issue. Make no mistake - fatigue is a serious killer."

"This is more important for Ireland now than ever before because we are beginning to have long continuous stretches of motorway. Especially at this time of year, when people on holidays tend to drive long distances across the country, the dangers of fatigue are at their worst. "Take regular breaks when you are driving long distances, share the driving if you can, and never ignore the tell-tale warning signs of fatigue."

"In the run up to the bank holiday weekend, road users are asked to consider their safety and that of others while using the roads. Time and time again, drink driving, speeding and the non-wearing of seatbelts result in many of the serious and fatal collisions that we see on the roads. Many injuries and collisions can be avoided if people would make themselves visible, belt up, slow down, drive sober and concentrate. Drivers should remain cautious and alert, and be mindful that, while they themselves may drive carefully and within the speed limits, around the corner may be a reckless and dangerous driver, and people need to be ready for this"

Garda Inspector Joe Doherty said: "I have seen too many horrific injuries caused by people falling asleep at the wheel to take this lightly. "Sleep related collisions tend to be more serious than other road collisions because the driver is unable to react before a crash. You don't fall asleep without a warning; if you are fighting to keep yourself awake, then get off the road!"

Have a safe Weekend!

Aims and Objectives

To increase awareness of the signs or symptoms of fatigue and the dangers of driving fatigued. The campaign will remind drivers of the need to take regular rest breaks and stop before tiredness sets in.

Target Audience

All motorists using our roads.

Key Messages

• Wake up to the signs of fatigue - tired eyes, drowsiness, yawning, loss of concentration.
• Take regular breaks, change drivers if you can.
• Stop. Revive. Survive.