Road Safety
Paramedic Gives Warning Ahead of Bank Holiday Weekend
By Noel Gibbons
27, May 2015 - 17:43

Murray Ambulance Service and a local Authority have joined forces to remind people how they can stay safe this weekend.

As with most bank holidays, there is likely to be increased traffic on the roads so Mr James Murray of Murray ambulances and Mr Noel Gibbons Road safety officer are asking that people travelling long distances by car think ahead and plan their journey.

Mr James Murray of Murray ambulances said: "We are all hoping for some lovely weather this weekend but as the temperature does rise, please remember to ensure that you are fully equipped, particularly if you are likely to be stuck in traffic, with plenty of food and drink.

"We often see a rise in the number of collisions during bank holidays, many of which can be preventable with some extra care being taken."We hope that everybody enjoys their long weekend but just remember to take a little bit of time to consider staying safe."

Here are some quick safety checks that the road safety office of Mayo County Council are recommending people do before travelling this weekend:

Check your tyre pressure and tread

Incorrect tyre pressure can affect safety, handling and grip as well as a car's efficiency leading to a potential increase in fuel consumption. Recent research conducted by Michelin found that motorists in Britain could be wasting more than £1 billion a year on fuel due to incorrectly inflated tyres.

When checking tyre pressure you will need to ensure the tyres are cold. 1.6mm is the minimum legal limit across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference.

Check your tyres... Remember to do so when they're cold.

Under the bonnet

Make sure your engine oil, windscreen washer fluid and engine coolant is topped up BEFORE you get on the road.

To avoid spending time on the hard shoulder check your car has enough of all the essential fluids, don't run the risk keeping level to the bare minimum either.

Inside the vehicle

With your extra baggage weighing you down, make sure if the boot is full you can still see out of the rear window. Give yourself the best vision possible by not piling your bags up. Use space on the back seats as much as possible. This will not only give you better vision out the back window but it'll also distribute the weight more evenly.

Amongst your luggage don't forget to pack is an emergency breakdown kit which includes; breakdown triangle, a blanket, torch, map and a high visibility vest.

Fluid levels... You'll thank yourself when you're home safe

Plan your route

The key to avoiding stress on the road is to plan your journey in advance.

Know your route before you set off

Also some more tips

• Make sure your car is suitable for the journey and is topped up with plenty of fuel

• Be aware of the weather forecast and pack appropriate clothing

• Ensure the children have plenty of games to keep them entertained

• Pack a first aid kit including sunscreen

Mr James Murray of Murray ambulances continues: "I'll be out and about responding to calls over the bank holiday weekend, so please lets hope we don't meet up in my line of work."

If you are in need of urgent medical attention but are unsure whether this is an emergency, dial 999 for advice or 112