The Garda Commissioner in Ireland has launched a campaign, in conjunction with Rotary, to reduce the number of deaths on the roads this winter.
Drew Harris visited Kilbeggan in County Westmeath where the town’s Rotary club is working with emergency service to distribute 40,000 high-visibility vests and stickers to primary school children in Laois, Offaly and Westmeath.
The police chief has lent his support to the initiative following reports that 35% of all childhood deaths in Ireland are because of road traffic accidents.
Half of these juvenile deaths are pedestrians. And over 60% of injured children are injured on the road, either walking or cycling.
Trauma and orthopaedic surgeons from the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore are supporting the ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ initiative.
We all have a role to play in road safety. This is a collective responsibility and we must continue to work together to reduce road deaths and serious injury.”
Speaking at the launch, Mr Harris described the campaign as a very welcome initiative.
He said: “We all have a role to play in road safety.
“This is a collective responsibility and we must continue to work together to reduce road deaths and serious injury.
“We will play our role through enforcement, education and supporting road safety projects such as ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’.
“Individuals and communities can also make a major difference to road safety, and that’s why today’s initiative is so important.
“This community-led initiative will enhance road safety in the midlands, particularly among children, and I want to congratulate everyone involved.”
