Mayo County Council's road safety office is encouraging motorists to take part in National Slow Down Day which takes place this year between 7am today Friday May 27 and 7am on Saturday May 28. Signs will be put on display around the county with the message "Drive slow - See Our County - Drive fast - See a Summons".
Last year saw 166 road deaths on roads in the country. To date, 68 people have lost their lives on Irish roads in 2016. As a general rule a one per cent reduction in average speed will bring about a four per cent reduction in fatal collisions, and this is why reducing motorists' speed is essential to improving road safety. Excessive or inappropriate speed is a major contributory factor to road traffic collisions. The higher the speed, the greater the likelihood is of a collision happening, and the more severe the outcome of that collision. A total of 217,888 speeding fixed penalty notices were issued in 2015.
The objective of operation Slow Down is to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives, and reduce injuries on our roads. The National Slow Down Day initiative is supported by the Road Safety Authority, Mayo County Council, Mayo Road Safety Working Group, and other partner stakeholders.
Mayo road safety officer, Noel Gibbons, says the aim is to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding, increase compliance with speed limits, and act as a deterrent to driving at excessive and inappropriate speed.“We appeal to each and every one of you to play your part in reducing the tragedy that road fatalities and serious injury collisions bring upon families in Mayo. Please be conscious that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Public and private sector fleet operators are also being asked to participate in the initiative by informing employees of the key message to ‘Slow Down’ and, whether driving for business or private purposes, to always drive within the speed limit and at a speed appropriate to the prevailing conditions. Drivers are also asked to turn on their dipped headlamps to show support and increase their visibility. The overall aim of the National Slow Down Day is to reduce the number and severity of road traffic collisions. It is every motorist’s responsibility to slow down and ensure that the roads are safe for everyone.
