Kildare County Council issues urgent Road Safety appeal
18th January 2024: Kildare County Council has issued an urgent appeal to road users to practice good road safety and take personal responsibility for travelling safe on our roads.
Last year saw a sharp increase in road fatalities. A total of 184 people lost their lives on Ireland’s roads, three of these deaths occurred in County Kildare.
Already this year, a high number of road fatalities have occurred across Ireland, including three road deaths in County Kildare.
As part of the road safety appeal, Kildare County Council has issued advice for road users including drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, passengers and motorcyclists, to encourage collective responsibility and good road safety practice on our roads.
Speaking about the road safety appeal, Declan Keogh, Road Safety Officer, Kildare County Council said; “I wish to take this opportunity to express my condolences to the families and friends of those who have been killed on our roads. It is heartbreaking to hear news of any fatality on the roads.”
“The trend of rising road deaths in such a short period is very worrying, and we hope it doesn’t continue. As we continue through January, I would ask people to make a new resolution, to themselves and to their loved ones, to make road safety a priority and to make every journey a safe one.”
Kildare County Council has issued the following advice to road users:
PEDESTRIANS:
As a pedestrian, you are one of the most vulnerable road users. So, it’s important that you practice good road safety and take personal responsibility in keeping yourself and others safe on our roads.
- Stop, Look, Listen!
- If there is a footpath, you must use it
- If there is no footpath, you must walk as near as possible to the right-hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic
- Avoid crossing the road between parked vehicles
- Only cross a road when it is safe to do so, looking left and right as you cross
- Use a Zebra, Pedestrian or Pelican crossing for example, where provided
- Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night to increase your visibility
CYCLISTS:
As a cyclist you are a road user, and you must obey the rules of the road.
- Stop as required at traffic lights
- By law, a cyclist must have a bell on their bike and a working light, front and rear
- Signal in plenty of time to allow other road users to react to your movements
- When cycling, always make sure you give other road users the best chance of seeing you
- In order to be more visible to other road users, wear high visibility clothing and keep your bicycle lights in good working order.
DRIVERS:
Speeding, impaired driving, and the use of a mobile phone while driving are some of the killer behaviours on our roads. Having due care and consideration for other road users goes a long way towards a safe journey.
- Always ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and safe to drive
- Always wear a seatbelt and ensure all your passengers are wearing theirs
- Always drive within the speed limit and with consideration for the road, weather and traffic conditions
- In poor weather conditions, always leave a bigger gap between you and the vehicle ahead
- Always look out for pedestrians and cyclists who share the road
- Always allow a safe passing distance when overtaking a cyclist
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs
- Never use a hand-held mobile phone or smart device while driving
- Never drive when over-tired
PASSENGERS:
- Always wear your seatbelt when travelling in a vehicle
- Only travel in a vehicle where you have your own seat and seatbelt
- Never share a seatbelt with another passenger
- Never travel in a vehicle that is overcrowded
MOTORCYCLISTS:
- Be vigilant. Look into the far, middle and near distance, using your mirrors and checking over your shoulders before changing position or turning
- Keep your distance. In poor weather conditions, always leave a bigger gap between you and the vehicle ahead
- Be seen. Make sure your position is correct, use dipped headlights and wear high visibility clothing
- Read the road and ride your motorcycle to current road, weather and traffic conditions
- Never ride your motorcycle after consuming alcohol or drugs
- Maintain your motorcycle properly and to a roadworthy standard
SCHOOL WARDEN CROSSINGS:
School Wardens operate under Section 96 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and are empowered by law to stop traffic to assist primary school children across a road safely.
- Slow Down when approaching a School Crossing
- Drivers must stop for a School Warden when signaled to do so
- Drivers must remain stopped on the road until the warden clears the road
- A motorist can receive an initial fine of €160 and 2 Penalty Points for failing to stop for a School Warden
- A cyclist can receive an initial fine of €40 for failing to stop for a School Warden
