Everyone urged to stay visible on the roads this winter
The Donegal Road Safety Working Group is encouraging individuals, schools, sports clubs, community groups and businesses to support the initiative by encouraging their members to get involved and share these road safety messages, with a limited supply of high visibility vests available free of charge to members of the public.
DONEGAL County Council and the Donegal Road Safety Working Group are calling on road users to take simple steps to improve visibility and help make journeys safer during the darker winter months as part of the ‘Be Bright, Be Seen, Be Safe’ road safety campaign.
As evenings grow darker and daylight hours shorten, pedestrians, runners, cyclists and e-scooter users are encouraged to remain visible on the roads.
Wearing bright, fluorescent, reflective and high visibility clothing, can help other road users to see them more easily.
Drivers also have an important role to play, and are encouraged to use dipped headlights when appropriate, reduce speed to suit the road and weather conditions and remain alert to the presence of pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
Particular care is needed on rural roads and in conditions of poor visibility.
The campaign highlights the shared responsibility of everyone using the roads to improve visibility, remain alert and help make journeys safer throughout the winter months.
Pamela Smullen, Donegal County Council, Road Safety Office, said,: “The Be Bright, Be Seen, Be Safe” campaign is a reminder that we all have a role to play in road safety.
“During the darker Winter months, wearing high-visibility and reflective clothing and using appropriate lights can help pedestrians, runners, cyclists, e-scooter users be seen more easily.
“Drivers can also play their part by using dipped headlights when appropriate, adjusting their speed to the conditions and looking out for other road users.”
The Donegal Road Safety Working Group is encouraging individuals, schools, sports clubs, community groups and businesses to support the initiative by encouraging their members to get involved and share these road safety messages:
- Be Bright and Be Seen: Wear fluorescent, high visibility and reflective materials.
- Use appropriate lighting: Ensure bicycles and other vehicles have appropriate lights and reflectors and keep them in good working order.
- Slow down and stay alert: Drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions and remain aware of other road users.
- Take extra care: Be particularly vigilant during periods of reduced daylight or poor weather conditions.
To assist members of the public to support the campaign, a limited supply of high visibility vests for individuals are available free of charge to members of the public at the Donegal County Council, Public Service Centres in Carndonagh, Donegal Town, Dungloe, Milford, Letterkenny and at County House in Lifford while stocks last.
The Road Safety Authority have road safety and high visibility materials that can be ordered online by schools, third-level institutions, community groups for events, which are available through their website www.rsa.ie/road-safety: