‘Ensure no more families are torn apart’ - Bank holiday road safety appeal

Road safety appeals have been issued and ‘vigilance’ urged ahead of the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Donegal County Council and the Donegal Road Safety Working Group have appealed to all road users, to take responsibility for safe travel urging them to exercise heightened caution during this busy period. 

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Martin Harley said: “Far too many lives are lost on our roads every year and families are destroyed. We as a family got that knock on the door. Please respect the road and ensure no more families lives are torn apart.”

Tragically, bank holiday weekends often witness a spike in road-related incidents, inflicting irreparable harm on families. Last year, the month of May recorded one of the highest fatality rates on Ireland’s roads. It is also notable that across 2023, almost half - 48% - of fatalities on the roads occurred between Friday and Sunday alone.

“We wish to issue a road safety appeal to all road users ahead of the upcoming May Bank Holiday weekend,” Sergeant Eunan Walsh said. “Bank Holiday Weekends bring a higher volume of traffic onto the roads and with this comes an increased risk of collisions.

“We ask all road users to please use the roads responsibly. Drivers are urged to slow down, to wear their seat belts, and not to drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Do not use/hold your mobile phone while driving. Remember if you have been drinking you may not be safe to drive the morning after. Don’t risk it!

“As always, gardaí will be out on the roads over the weekend conducting high visibility checkpoints and speed checks. We hope that everybody has a safe and enjoyable weekend.”

As road safety is a collective responsibility, this demands commitment from everyone in averting further tragedies, the Donegal Road Safety Working Group has urged good practices to be adhered to.

Ensure seatbelts are worn at all times; Drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions and environment; Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front; Wear appropriate safety clothing when cycling and walking; Be vigilant for signs of driver fatigue and take regular breaks; Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs; always designate a driver or arrange alternative transport; Avoid distractions by refraining from using mobile phones while driving; Anticipate unforeseen circumstances and prioritise the safety of vulnerable road users.

The Donegal Road Safety Working Group is an interagency group consisting of Donegal County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, An Garda Siochana, Road Safety Authority, Donegal Youth Service, An Taisce, Donegal ETB, Foroige and HSE Ambulance Service.