Road Safety
Springing Forward - Safely
By Noel Gibbons
22, Mar 2011 - 23:00

As the spring weather entices more people to take to the roads to enjoy the warm temperatures and scenery, we remind everyone to be more aware of other road users. Pedestrians and Cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and in some countries constitute over half of all road deaths. The road safety Office of Mayo County Council urges motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to "spring forward" safely when Daylight-Saving Time begins at midnight Saturday, March 26.

Road users should be aware that sunrise will occur one hour later, meaning that it will be darker later in the morning.

"Driving through school areas becomes more challenging for motorists during the first week of the time change," said Noel Gibbons Road Safety Officer. "Pedestrians and bicyclists should wear brighter, reflective clothing in order to be seen more easily, and those behind the wheel need to pay close attention and eliminate distractions while driving."

"Drivers don't wait until it's fully dark to turn on your lights, use headlights even when there are street lights, especially in built up areas. Keep a good look out, see and be seen.''

Pedestrians and Cyclists are been asked not to let fashion replace safety , to continue to wear Hi Vis jackets (commonly known as DON'T Kill ME JACKETS) even if the evenings are getting brighter.

Research has proven a motorist is less likely to collide with a person walking and cycling if more people walk or cycle, so more peple are encouraged to get out and exercise but to do so safely.
Making roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists is a key element in encouraging people to walk and cycle more, to-date this year 15 pedestrians have been killed in 2011 on Irish roads so lets all question our own behavior on the road to stop any further loss of live and injury, at some stage we are all pedestrians so lets share the road.