So far this year 41 people died walking or cycling on Irish roadways. In addition, hundreds of pedestrians have been injured. A single death or injury is one too many.
Gardaí in County Mayo are to play their part in reducing these numbers by carrying a stock of high-visibility vests in all Garda patrol cars, to be given out to poorly-lit pedestrians and cyclists.
Under the initiative jointly promoted by Mayo County Council and An Garda Síochána a total of 1,000 vests have been distributed to stations right around the county, provided by the Road Safety Authority.
Gardaí on mobile patrol will stop and hand out vests to pedestrians and cyclists who are not properly visible at night-time, according to Garda Inspector Joe Doherty .
“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 is 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.
Inspector Doherty also warned motorists to be vigilant while driving on the road at night-time.
Noel Gibbons, Mayo Road Safety added: “Already in 2011, 32 pedestrians and nine pedal cyclists have been killed on roads around Ireland. We are delighted the gardaí are handing out the high-visibility vests because it helps to hammer home our Be Safe, Be Seen message.”
