Local Authority Road Safety Officers across Ireland are asking the public to shine a light for road safety on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, From 7pm to 8pm this Sunday, November 15.
The enlightening campaign, in memory of all who have lost their lives on our roads, will see council buildings across Ireland lit up from 7pm to 8pm on the day, which is commemorated on the third Sunday in November each year.
Mayo County Council will light up Aras an Chontae, The Mall in Castlebar and Mayo families are asked to join them and ‘light up for road safety’ by shining a light or burning a candle in windows at the same time.
Noel Gibbons, Mayo County Council’s Road Safety Officer said: "2020 has been a very different year, and due to Covid-19 restrictions, it sees an increase in people walking and cycling our roads with their families. Road safety is now more important than ever. Road Safety Officers are imploring the public to please be vigilant of their own safety.
"On this important day, bereaved families and the seriously injured come together to acknowledge the terrible toll of road deaths and injuries and to show thanks for the work of the emergency services. You too can show your support by participating in this event."
He outlined how people can get involved, as follows: (1 ) Set a reminder on your phone to shine a light in your window from 7pm to 8pm on Sunday; (2 ) Spread the word and ask friends and family to do the same; (3 ) Take a moment to remember the lives lost and those who have been injured, and to be appreciative of your own health and well-being; (4 ) Check that your family has high vis jackets and torches for your walks and cycles and (5 ) Never take road safety for granted.
Businesses and other organisations are also being encouraged to light up their building for road safety as part of this national campaign.
Tony Shevlin Acting Chief Fire Officer, said: "Road traffic collisions can and do have catastrophic consequences for not alone the vehicle occupants and pedestrians, but for all of us in the community.
"Every collision our firefighters attend is difficult. While we may not know the persons involved ,we are acutely aware of the impact which is long lasting and often permanent. The grief and distress experienced by the injured victims, their family and friends is all the greater because many of the victims are young.
"I would appeal to all pedestrians, cyclists and drivers using our roads to ensure you are seen and that you drive safely, because your family will be waiting for you. Please make this a peaceful World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. All of their fire vehicles will be outside their respective stations and be lit up with blues as an addition to lighting up the buildings on the evening on November 15.
"Families of crash victims never forget their loved ones who have died on the road. This day is an opportunity annually, for everyone to remember road crash victims and to think of the consequences around a collision, and what might happen if anyone is involved in a collision. Organisers are hoping the public and business sector will get involved and support this year’s event by lighting up for road safety."
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Richard Finn, said: "One of the purposes of these services is to spread awareness. The many persons who lose their lives to a traffic accident is a global issue and these services will reflect that and also to acknowledge the work done by all the emergency services."
Bridget Meehan HSE West Ambulance Service, said: "The ambulance service locally will be supporting the event also by lighting up all ambulance bases on the evening."
There will be a World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims mass in Knock Shrine on Sunday, which can be viewed online at www.knockshrine.ie/watch-live/?v=d2cb7bbc0d23
