2020 was a bad year, not alone because of Covid-19, but also for road users with the loss of 144 lives on Irish roads.
The road safety department of Mayo County Council has said it will be a new year soon and is a great time to make little changes for the better.
“While you’re weighing up the merits of a new diet or exercise plan, some simple shifts in your driving could make a huge difference to you and those around you,” a spokesperson said.
Road safety officer with the local authority, Noel Gibbons said: “We all have a responsibility to make our roads safe. Drivers, by simply obeying the road rules – sticking to the speed limit; not driving impaired; always wearing a seatbelt; and not using a mobile phone – can help reduce the number of people being killed and seriously injured on our roads.
Other road users also have an important role to play. Passengers can hold drivers accountable for safe driving and speak up if they feel unsafe.
“Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are our most vulnerable road users and are encouraged to manage their risks on the roads by wearing protective and highly visible clothing,” he said.
The authority said that while all road users should be looking out for each other, these vulnerable road users will come off worse in a crash, no matter who is at fault.
New Years Resolution
“So make a New Year’s resolution to help reduce the road toll and start that resolution today, by making sure you share the road with all road users with an increase number of cyclists and pedestrians using our roads,” Gibbons continued.
The ‘Top 10’ New Year Resolutions for road traffic safety:
- To share the road with pedestrians and cyclists;
- To drive with my dipped lights on during day light hours;
- To give myself plenty of distance between me and the vehicle in front;
- To give myself plenty of time and not to speed;
- To be courteous to other drivers and to use my indicators;
- To use my common sense by paying attention when I drive and to drive responsibly;
- To never drink and drive;
- To keep eyes on the road, not on a mobile phone, vanity-mirror or breakfast roll. Avoid unnecessary distractions. This also means no talking on the phone while driving, and no texting;
- To make sure that I and everyone in my vehicle is belted up;
- ‘I will keep it cool on the road’; Road rage can have some serious repercussions, stress you out or make your daily commute a daily bother.
Road users, including tractor and machinery drivers, are being urged to share these top 10 ‘New Years Resolutions’ with friends, family and others in the community.
“Making the roads a safer and less stressful place could be the easiest resolution you can make – and keep,” concluded Gibbons.