In an innovative way to increase the number of pedestrians and cyclists wearing high visibility clothing, Mayo County Council and An Garda Síochána have teamed up in a community initiative aimed at encouraging more pedestrians and cyclists to make sure that they can be clearly seen on the roads at night. Vests have been distributed to stations right around the county.
All Garda cars in Mayo are to carry a stock of high-visibility vests to be given out to poorly-lit pedestrians and cyclists in a novel bid to reduce the county’s road death toll.
Gardaí on mobile patrol will stop and hand out vests to pedestrians and cyclists who are not properly visible at night-time, according to Sgt Tom Calvey.
“It is crucial when using the road at night-time that you are seen. As always, we urge people to wear high-visibility vests, reflective bands, and carry a torch,” he said.
“Now we will also be carrying high-visibility vests in the Garda cars that our officers can give out to people they encounter on the road who are not properly lit up. It’s all part of trying to reduce the number of road deaths in the county.”
The vests have been distributed to stations in Ballina, Belmullet, Castlebar, Claremorris, Swinford, and Westport Garda divisions.
Sgt Calvey also warned motorists to be vigilant while driving on the road at night-time, 343 pedestrians were killed on Irish roads between 2004 and 2008, this accounts for 20 per cent of road fatalities over the period.
“In 2008 47 pedestrians were killed and already in 2009, 28 pedestrians and seven pedal cyclists have been killed on roads around Ireland,” added Noel Gibbons, road safety officer with Mayo County Council. “We are delighted gardaí are handing out the high-visibility vests because it helps to hammer home our ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ message.
“It can be difficult for drivers to see in bad weather, but it's even worse in the dark. Pedestrians and cyclists can be quite vulnerable on the road so wearing clothing that makes them stand out to other motorists will help reduce the risks of any collisions. Mayo County Council and An Garda Síochána will continue to work together to reduce collisions on our roads.”
