More than 2,000 mini clip-on lights will, over the next two weeks, be distributed to people who regularly walk, run, and cycle throughout Galway city.
The HSE West Health Promotion Services, the Galway City Council, and the Community Gardaí are giving away the lights as part of the Galway Healthy Cities Project.
Inspector Ernie White of Mill Street Garda Station said the community gardaí will be distributing the lights in key areas throughout the city including the Quincentennial Bridge and Lough Atalia.
The aim of the project is to reduce road accidents. According to the Road Safety Authority Road Collision Facts publication (June 2007 ), the highest number of pedestrian injuries occur when the clocks change in late October.
“The most important thing a pedestrian or cyclist can do is to be seen,” said RSA chief executive Noel Brett. “This means wearing bright clothes and reflective material, such as a high-vis jacket, armband, or carrying a torch. This will make you stand out in traffic.”
He also said motorists can help too by using dipped headlights which make it easier to identify oncoming vehicles and in preventing daytime head-on and front-corner collisions.
