The Road Safety Authority (RSA ) will be holding the third European Night Without Accident on Saturday October 17 as part of Irish Road Safety Week. The initiative is aimed at promoting responsible behaviour behind the wheel among young adults.
The initiative is run by young adult volunteers who encourage groups of youngsters entering night-clubs to appoint a designated driver for the night. The designated driver is given a wrist-band to show his/her intention to stay alcohol-free for the night. When leaving the night-club the designated driver is invited to be voluntarily breathalysed by the volunteers to see if the commitment was honoured.
Results from last year’s European Night Without Accident showed a high number of young people acted as designated drivers who chose to abstain from drinking and driving on the night.
“We are delighted to host the third European Night Without Accident in Ireland as part of Irish Road Safety Week,” said Noel Brett, CEO of the RSA. “Last year the initiative was a great success with the majority of young people demonstrating positive attitudes to not drinking and driving. So this year, we are urging everyone planning a night out on the town to be equally responsible.
“Don’t get behind the wheel of the car if you have been drinking. Look for an alternative mode of transport, and remember, just one drink impairs driving. So let’s make sure that this weekend, and every weekend, is free from drink driving and free from collisions on our roads.”
The campaign is part of a Europe-wide initiative which will be taking place in 200 nightclubs in 27 European countries on the same night. Local authority road safety officers nationwide, the local Garda traffic corps, health professionals, and volunteers from local colleges, third level institutions, and communities will take part in the initiative to promote the need for responsible driving among young adults.
This is the third year that Ireland has participated in the initiative which was launched by the Responsible Young Drivers in Belgium in 1995.
The Mayo event will take place in Mantra nightclub and the Welcome Inn Hotel, Castlebar. Local road safety officer Noel Gibbons can be contacted on 094 902 0000 for further information.
