By Róise Collins
ALMOST forty-four years ago Brian O’Donnell embarked on his career with Donegal County Council.
He spoke with the Donegal News about his recent retirement and reflected on the many challenges and triumphs he faced in his role as Road Safety Officer.
His four decade tenure started in the print department of the council’s corporate services.
There he looked after the stationary requirements of the council, this included printing reports and documentation.
Twelve years ago he transitioned to a more challenging role with the council’s Road Safety Working Group. During this time he dedicated himself to improving the safety of all road users across Donegal.
His keenness and commitment to improving road safety stemmed from a situation his family experienced – the dreaded late night knock on the door.
Being told that somebody you love has been involved in a road traffic collision, has a devastating and lasting impact, Brian explained.
“This happened to my family, it’s very difficult and we are still living with it.
“We were lucky, we got our loved one back, but other people don’t get that,” he said.
This experience encouraged Brian to grab his new role with both hands. His goal was to prevent as many families as possible going through the same thing.
“Personally I wanted to make a difference, whether I did or not, I don’t know. In my eyes I think I did,” Brian said humbly.
During his tenure, the average number of people killed in road traffic collisions has decreased significantly.
Ten years ago, the four year average of lives lost in Donegal was 18 per year. In the last four years, that average has dropped to eight.
This in itself is a testament to his tireless advocacy.
“But one life lost is one too many and we are always just one tragedy away from the whole thing kicking off again,” Brian stressed.
Unfortunately the reality of the role of a Road Safety Officer is that their work is gauged by those haunting figures and you have to take this personally, he said.
“Because behind each of those figures is a life, a family, a friend, a whole community- the ripple effect of a person losing their life impacts those around them forever more.
“In the last number of years in Donegal we have had multiple tragedies and whole communities that have been left shattered.
“It is soul destroying and it is heart-breaking. To pick up the pieces and carry on after that is very difficult.
“It really impacts you because you know exactly how the families and friends feel,” he said.
Many of us are excited as we approach the bank holiday weekend but for Brian as a Road Safety Officer, he always dreaded the long weekends. The busy roads and late nights means there is an increased risk of a road traffic collision.
“Because you know what could happen and then if that does happen you feel it. You feel responsible, and you ask yourself, have you done enough?”
During his time with the council Brian oversaw the introduction of countless campaigns, promoting safer driving.
One of the Road Safety Working Groups biggest achievements is the Road Safety Show. Donegal County Council were one of the first Local Authorities to roll out the event that educates young drivers on the importance of road safety.
The success of the Road Safety Show is only possible because of the support from those who are involved, he said.
Brian thanked the emergency services and commended the courage of the victims who shared their stories with the students.
“Denise Harley stands up and talks about losing her daughter and another victim who was left paralysed speaks about their experience. Those people deserve all the credit for being able to do that.
“They feel so passionately about it because they know, they have seen it. To stand up there and share personal story- well I can’t praise them enough.”
Those who have shared their stories throughout the years have helped to shape the future of young drivers in Donegal.
“The more young people you reach the better, because they are going to be the drivers of the future.”
But the responsibility does not fall solely on those who are driving. Passengers have a big role to play here as well, he said.
“If somebody is acting the blaggard in the car, tell the driver to stop and let you out. Don’t put your life at risk because of the foolish attitude of someone that will kill you.”
Brian has an unwavering commitment to ensuring our roads are a safer place for all road users. In his retirement he plans to continue to advocate for safer roads in Donegal, he is working with groups outside of the council promoting with road safety.
“My time in the council came to an end but if there is something I can do, or a campaign I can promote, I will only be too willing to do it,” he said.
Donegal County Council is currently recruiting a new Road Safety Officer. Brian stressed that his successor needs to be very enthusiastic about improving the safety of the roads in Donegal for everyone.
“It’s not just a job. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with it. You have to be enthusiastic and you have to have a reason for doing the job other than getting paid for it.”
Brian said he was very fortunate to work with the Donegal County Council and the Road Safety Working Group, and thanked them for all their help. He also praised the Gardaí and the emergency services, who he said were always too willing to help.
Most importantly he thanked his family, his wife and kids for all the support they gave him throughout the late nights and long days that came hand and hand with his post.
Since retiring Brian has enjoyed spending time with his loved ones. He just returned from Dubai, where he visited his daughter. This is something he had been hoping to tick off his bucket list for a while. He also looks forward to hitting the greens and focusing on his golfing.
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