General
'In-vest' in road safety campaign
17, Oct 2009 - 11:26

In an innovative way to increase the number of pedesterians and cyclists wearing high visibility clothing– Mayo County Council and An Garda Siochana have teamed up in a community initiative aimed at encouraging more pedesterians and cyclists to make sure that they can be clearly seen on the roads at night. - Hi Viz Vests have been distributed to stations right around the county.

All Garda cars in Co. Mayo are to carry a stock of high-visibility vests to be given out to poorly-lit pedestrians and cyclists in a novel bid to reduce the county’s road death toll.

Gardai on mobile patrol will stop and hand out vests to pedestrians and cyclists who are not properly visible at night-time, according to Sgt Tom Calvey.

"It is crucial when using the road at night-time that you are seen. As always, we urge people to wear high-visibility vests, reflective bands, and carry a torch," he said.

"Now we will also be carrying high-visibility vests in the Garda cars that our officers can give out to people they encounter on the road who are not properly lit up. It’s all part of trying to reduce the number of road deaths in the county."

The vests have been distributed to stations in Ballina, Belmullet, Castlebar, Claremorris, Swinford and Westport Garda divisions.

Sgt Tom Calvey also warned motorists to be vigilant while driving on the road at night-time, 343 pedestrians were killed on Irish roads between 2004 and 2008, this accounts for 20% of road fatalities over the period.

Said Noel Gibbons, Road Safety of Mayo County Council: "In 2008 47 pedestrians were killed and Already in 2009,  28 pedestrians and 7 pedal cyclists have been killed on roads around Ireland. We are delighted gardai are handing out the high-visibility vests because it helps to hammer home our Be Safe, Be Seen message.

It can be difficult for drivers to see in bad weather, but it's even worse in the dark. Pedesterians and cyclists can be quite vulnerable on the road so wearing clothing that makes them stand out to other motorists will help reduce the risks of any collisions . Mayo County Council and An Garda Siochana will continue to work together to reduce collisions on  our  roads."

© Copyright 2009 by Castlebar - County Mayo -