Kildare County Council asks motorists to take extra care this Bank Holiday Weekend
14th March 2024: Kildare County Council is appealing to all road users to travel safely and act responsibly on the roads over this bank holiday weekend.
As the festivities for St Patrick’s Day begin, with parades taking places in towns and villages across the county, we will see an increase in number of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists & mobility users, as well an overall increase in traffic on the roads. pedestrians, cyclists, and mobility users.
We are appealing to anyone who will consume any amount of alcohol, to not get behind the wheel, never drink and drive. The safety of others is paramount.
Driver fatigue is also a major factor in fatal collisions. Motorists making long journeys over the bank holiday weekend are advised to plan for their journey, take regular breaks along the way to avoid tiredness and above all, arrive alive!
Speaking ahead of the Bank Holiday, Garda Inspector Ronan MacDonald, Kildare Road Policing Unit, said “This St Patrick’s Bank Holiday weekend, An Garda Síochána will be engaging in increased enforcement activities in County Kildare and nationally. This operation targets intoxicated driving, speeding, mobile phone use while driving, seat belt use, insurance and driving license offences. We urge all roads users to be mindful of their environments and always to think about safety. Remember St Patrick’s Bank Holiday weekend is about celebrating with family and friends. Please help us to make this St Patrick’s Bank Holiday Weekend a safe and happy one for all.”
Declan Keogh, Road Safety Officer, Kildare County Council said: “St. Patrick’s Day is a national celebration, and we want people to have fun, but we are reminding everyone that they must do their part in helping to keep road users safe while using the road. We are also appealing to motorists to steer-clear of driving while under the influence of any alcohol or illegal drugs.”
Additional road safety advice and guidelines for road users :
- Never ever drink and drive. Any amount of alcohol impairs driving, so leave the car at home.
- Plan ahead for your journey home, get home safely using a taxi, with a designated driver or public transport.
- Pedestrians should wear a high visibility vest or carry a torch, in order to be visible on the roads, particularly in rural areas.
- Don’t walk home if you have consumed too much alcohol. Figures released by the RSA in 2019 have shown that almost half (49%) of pedestrians killed on our roads had consumed alcohol.
- All occupants of a vehicle must wear a seatbelt while travelling in a vehicle.
