Stay safe, stay seen

It is amazing how quickly the dark evenings have come upon us, replacing the sunny days and bright evenings that seemed to go on forever.

Unfortunately, what accompanies this important change is how many of us forget how important it is to stay safe and seen over these longer, darker early mornings and nights over the next few months.

It is in the public's interest that their safety is their top priority.

Some of the best tips for staying safe over the coming months are listed below:

·      Whether you're a cyclist or a walker, remember to wear a high-vis jacket

·      Bring a torch, or make sure your phone has a torch feature on it.

·      Make sure you wear a helmet while cycling or using a motorcycle, and make sure your brakes and lights are working well.

·      Wear weather-appropriate clothes, such as warm jackets and, rainproof shoes or boots.

·      Always use pedestrian crossings wherever possible.

·      Walk with only one earphone in, so you can hear what's going on around you.

·      Never, ever cross the road without looking… this is a simple point but, in this day and age of smartphones, is probably more relevant than ever.

·      If walking your pets give them a high-vis jacket and/or collar and lead.

·      Make sure your phone is charged before you leave- you never know when you might need it.

·      Drivers, make sure to turn the appropriate lights on- for example, fog lights.

·      Stick to footpaths and cycle lanes.

·      Always make sure your seatbelt is on while in a car.

According to the Road Safety Authority of Ireland (RSA),there was a record drop in road fatalities in 2018, with 131 deaths compared to 136 in 2017- a 6 per cent drop.

However, Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, warned the public that more still needs to be done in eliminating road fatalities: “Although the figures are marginally improved, they are not good enough. Speed continues to kill (130,000 drivers were detected committing speeding offences in 2018)".

"Drink driving persists and unaccompanied learner drivers continue to break the law. Reckless road users cannot be allowed to ruin the lives of innocent others and their families”.

In addition to Mr. Ross' statement, Moyagh Murdock, CEO of the RSA said: "Of serious concern is the number of pedestrian deaths that occurred in 2018. There was a 32 per cent increase in pedestrian casualties (41) compared to 2017 (31). Closer examination of 2018 pedestrian casualties revealed that 54 per cent (22) of deaths were of those aged 55 years or older".

According to the same report, Sunday (30) was the most dangerous day in 2018, followed by Tuesday (23).

To date, statistics on An Garda Siochana's website reveal that so far in 2019:

Pedestrians- 18

Drivers- 57

Passengers- 11

Motorcyclists- 12

Pedal cyclists- 5

Pillion passengers/Other- Not listed

Total in 2019 to date- 103

2018 - Comparison: 101 (2)  

2019 - September fatalities to date: 8

It should be noted that the motorcyclist figure is inclusive of pillion passengers.

Further information and related articles on staying safe during Autumn and Winter can be found at RSA.ie.