From Castlebar - County Mayo -

General
Are you up to the Driver's Challenge?
By Mayo County Council
30, Aug 2008 - 10:15

Car-owners in the west of Ireland are to have their safe driving skills put to the test in a special road safety event at one of the region’s leading racecourses.

Mayo County Council hope the Driver’s Challenge event at Ballinrobe Racecourse will alert  motorists to the need to drive safely.

The day will be launched by International rally driver, Aaron McHale (Aaron's car will be on display for the event).

“Drivers will be tested on their reaction times, how they handle an obstacle course, and how they maintain their car with special emphasis on ensuring that the car is safe and sound for the road,” said Noel Gibbons, Road Safety Officer of Mayo County Council.

The event will take place on Sunday 2pm, September 14th and will involve the Gardai, paramedics, fire officers, RSA, Civil Defence, Bus Eireann, the Irish defence forces together with representatives from various advanced driving companies.

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The Emergency Services will attend a mock road crash

A realistic, mock crash scene, being attended by the emergency services, will be used to graphically illustrate the need for safe driving to the crowd - the message being that this could easily be you or your family being cut from the wreckage.

Road Safety staff will be on hand to offer information and advice at the event about the need to be visible during the darkening evenings, for motorists to drive carefully,  for parents to use the correct car child restraints and on cycle safety.

At the event – in support of Western Care – the young motorists will also hear tales of roadside tragedies from members of the emergency services in Co. Mayo. Hear Micilin Feeney a crash victim tell his story - a story that will change your driving habits and perhaps even the driving habits of your whole family when you hear what the reality of being involved in a road traffic crash entails.

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The effect of a car crash will be graphically illustrated on the day

While the overall message is very serious one there will also be a lighter side to the event - ''The day is promised to be a fun day for all the family with music...D.J, bouncing castles, obstacle courses, slides, pillow bash, pony hops, rodeo bull, giant scalextric, etc.,'' said Mr Joe Brett of Western Care.

To cater for the considerable number of young people who have an interest in motor-sports, a number of motor-related companies will display Formula 2, Drift, Sports, Performance, and Modified Cars on the day.



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