THE Donegal Road Safety Working Group (DRSWG) is appealing to all road users to exercise extreme caution and for motorists to be aware of vulnerable road users in the dark evenings.
The appeal comes after the clocks went back over the weekend and wintertime begins.
The group is advising pedestrians, runners, walkers and cyclists to be safe and be seen by wearing high visibility material and by carrying a torch.
Cyclists are also being asked to ensure that their bicycle lights are working and wear a helmet.
The DRSWG is reminding motorists to check that their vehicle is fit for winter. Tyres must be in good condition and meet the legal requirements.
All lights must be clean, working and correctly adjusted. Always use dipped headlights when driving in poor weather conditions.
Chris Harley, Road Safety Officer said he wanted to appeal to all road users to keep safety in mind this winter.
“Using the roads is the most dangerous thing that we do every day and yet very few of us appreciate that. You are only ever one slip of concentration away from disaster, which can change lives forever. As a pedestrian, you are one of the most vulnerable road users. It is vitally important that you practice good road safety and take personal responsibility in keeping yourself and others safe on our roads.
He added: “We would especially call on cyclists to be weather aware and to get proper lights. Many people drive and cycle, therefore are fully aware that a cyclist without lights or hi-viz clothing on a dark, wet evening is virtually impossible to see.”
To date in 2023, 155 people have lost their lives on our roads, which includes 32 pedestrians and 5 cyclists. Six people have died in Donegal and many more have been seriously injured in road traffic collisions.
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