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KILDARE IN TOP FIVE FOR ROAD FATALITY REDUCTIONS

COUNTY BY COUNTY ROAD SAFETY REVIEW PUBLISHED

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COUNTY BY COUNTY ROAD SAFETY REVIEW PUBLISHED
Download Full Report

Leitrim, Laois, Kildare, Monaghan and Clare are Top 5 Achievers

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) today, Tuesday 29th January, 2013, published a report on the road safety performance of each county in Ireland during the lifetime of the last Government Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012*. The report revealed that Leitrim, Laois, Kildare, Monaghan and Clare showed the biggest reductions in road fatalities during this period. In contrast countyOffaly showed no change and county Cavan recorded an increase in road fatalities over the period.

The report was issued today as the Road Safety Authority prepares to finalise the next Road Safety Strategy which will span an eight year period from 2013 to 2020.

162 people died on Irish roads in 2012, 24 fewer fatalities than the previous year when 186 people died and 51 fewer than 2010 when 212 people died on our roads. Between 2007 and 2012, the national average reduction in road deaths was 57% when compared to the number of fatalities between 2004 and 2006. Two counties, Leitrim and Laois, achieved a 100% reduction in road deaths, falling from 5 fatalities in Laois in 2007 to 0 in 2012 and from 7 fatalities in Leitrim in 2007 to 0 in 2012.

The Top 10 best performing counties were Laois, Leitrim, Kildare, Monaghan, Clare, Tipperary, Carlow, Wicklow, Dublin and Donegal who all achieved reductions of more than 70%. There were no reductions in fatalities in Offaly during this period, compared to the period of the previous strategy, and in Cavan, road deaths increased by 20%.

Kildare County Coucnil\'s road safety officer Declan Keogh said he was delighted with the news.

Commenting on the report’s findings, Noel Brett, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority said, “The reduction in road deaths in nearly every county in Ireland shows just what can be achieved when communities come together and say, enough is enough, we don’t want any more people dying on our roads. All it takes to make a difference is for one person to say, I’m going to change my behaviour on the roads so that I can keep myself and others safe when we’re out on the roads.”

“So on behalf of the RSA I would like to thank each and every one of you for the contribution you have made to keeping roads in your county safe. It is the efforts made by each and every one of you that has helped to make Ireland one of the best performing countries in the EU in terms of its own road safety record. I would also like to pay tribute to An Garda Síochána, emergency services personnel and Local Authorities for their work in reducing the death toll on our roads. If we all redouble our efforts in 2013, there is no reason why we can’t make Ireland’s roads the safest in the world.”

Road deaths in Ireland have fallen every year since 2006. Ireland’s Third Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012 aimed to reduce road deaths to 252 per annum by the end of 2012 and the target was achieved and surpassed three years ahead of schedule in 2009. While the total number of serious injuries sustained in crashes in 2012 is not yet available, there was a 51% reduction in these injuries up to the end of 2011.

The Third Road Safety Strategy will be replaced in the coming months by a longer term strategy, running from 2013 until 2020, which will focus, among other things, on reducing serious injuries on Irish roads.

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Kildare Road Safety Officer says 'Thank You' to Road Users for making Kildare roads safest ever.

Kildare's Road Safety Officer is thanking road users across the county and beyond for helping to make Kildare roads the safest ever in 2012 with just one fatality being recorded on Kildare roads. Declan Keogh says road users across the board played a major role in keeping Kild.....

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Emergency Service Vehicles - Sharing the Road

How to Share the Road with Emergency Service vehicles

Research revealed at the launch of the Road Safety Authority\\\'s (RSA) new booklet, \\\'Sharing the Road with Emergency Service Vehicles\\\' has shown that in the period 2007 to 2011, there.....

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How to Share the Road with Emergency Service vehicles

Research revealed at the launch of the Road Safety Authority\\\'s (RSA) new booklet, \\\'Sharing the Road with Emergency Service Vehicles\\\' has shown that in the period 2007 to 2011, there were 54 collisions* on Irish roads involving an ambulance or fire engine. In these collisions, 81 people were injured and 2 people were killed. The launch of the booklet took place today, Thursday 6 December in McKee Barracks at the Irish Defence Forces in the Phoenix Park.

To help road-users to understand how to share the roads with emergency vehicles, the RSA has joined forces with a number of emergency service organisations to produce a booklet called \\\'Sharing the Road with Emergency Service Vehicles\\\'. The purpose of the booklet is to advise motorists how to summon emergency services when required, what to do when they encounter emergency vehicles on the road and how to share the road safely with these vehicles. The booklet is the result of collaboration between the RSA and An Garda Síochána, Civil Defence, Defence Forces, Irish Coast Guard, Irish Prison Service, National Ambulance Service and the Chief Fire Officers Association and Emergency Services.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar said: \\\'This important booklet will provide road users with clear information on how to share the road with emergency service vehicles. Road users react in very different ways to the sight of an emergency vehicle, without realising there is a recommended set of procedures. I also want to thank the emergency services for the lifesaving work they do every day\\\'.

Mr Noel Brett, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority said, "Every day, the Emergency Services save lives in the course of their work and as is the nature of their work, every second counts when they are responding to an emergency. However, many road users don\\\'t know what to do when they hear sirens, and sometimes they panic and take actions that impede the emergency services in their response to emergency situations or which put other road users at risk."

"This booklet will help road-users to understand how to behave on the roads if they are sharing the road with an emergency service vehicle so that they can give adequate space and time to those responding to an emergency situation."

Kildare County Council\\\'s Road Safety Officer Declan Keogh is delighted to support this initiative. "All too often motorists do not know what action to take when an emergency vehicle is approaching them from ahead or behind, and thankfully this initiative will provide more clarify and safer information to drivers and other road users on the safest and proper cousre of action. I am delighted to support this campaign"

Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) Major-General Conor O\\\'Boyle said, "The Defence Forces is delighted to be part of this campaign which will ultimately lead to safer roads by helping road-users to better understand how to share the road safely with emergency service vehicles."

Assistant Commissioner Gerard Phillips, An Garda Síochána said, "I would urge all road-users to exercise caution when they are sharing the roads with emergency vehicles. It is particularly important to anticipate the presence of emergency services vehicles on the roads which means regularly checking your mirrors and correct observation of the roads so that you can respond in good time."

Robert Morton, Director of the National Ambulance Service (NAS), welcoming the publication of the new Emergency Services Booklet by the RSA, said that "NAS Emergency Vehicles cover approx. 14 million miles per annum. While the number of traffic related incidents are extremely low, the launch of this Booklet will be of invaluable assistance in our efforts to improve the safety of services to for staff, other road users and most importantly to our patients."

Irish Coat Guard congratulated the RSA on this excellent initiative. He went on to say that "IRCG, continually seeks to impress on its emergency response drivers that use of Blue Lights impacts all other road users and can generate unusual reactions. The RSA booklet will fill an important gap in safe driving and all road users are strongly encouraged to take the time to read and reflect on its very coherent and sensible recommendations".

Mr. Seamus Murphy, Chairman of the Chief Fire Officers\\\' Association welcomed the launch of the booklet and expressed his thanks to the Road Safety Authority in developing such an initiative. Chief Fire Officer Murphy went on to say that "Every second counts in an emergency situation and anything that the public can do to assist the emergency services in making progress to these incidents, by way of the guidance published today, is to be welcomed"

To view or download the bookelt, click here: Download Booklet

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'Operation Slow Down'

From 7am on Friday, the 6th July to 7am on Saturday, the 7th July, An Garda Síochána, along with other stakeholders, will run Operation "Slow Down”.

The objectives of the Operation are to raise awareness of the d.....

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From 7am on Friday, the 6th July to 7am on Saturday, the 7th July, An Garda Síochána, along with other stakeholders, will run Operation "Slow Down”.

The objectives of the Operation are to raise awareness of the dangers of inappropriate and excessive speed, reduce the number of speed related collisions, and therefore save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.

For the past six years, there has been a year on year decrease in the number of road fatalities in Ireland. As we move into the second half of 2012, there have been four more fatalities on our roads than at this time last year. (As at 13.30hrs on 4th July).

Based on collision data Fridays and Saturdays have the highest proportion of fatal collisions. Allied to this, July and August tend to have the greatest number of fatal collisions month on month. (Please see note to editors for statistics)

Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan, in co-operation with other stakeholders nationwide including the Road Safety Authority, National Roads Authority, National Transport Authority, Health and Safety Authority and local authorities, is appealing to members of the public to:-

Slow down and save lives

Commissioner Callinan speaking today in Dublin Castle stressed:

"A speed limit is defined as the maximum that you may travel on any road, when conditions are perfect. It is not a target. When you are faced with adverse weather, road or traffic conditions, the most effective way to keep safe is to slow down and give yourself more time to adapt to all that is happening around you. We are appealing to all vehicle drivers to keep within the speed limits, and when necessary, slow down. The time lost by reducing your speed by 5 or 10 km/h on a long journey is insignificant, but the increase in road safety terms to you and all around you is very significant.”

Commissioner Callinan continued:-"We particularly wish to thank all the companies, organisations and departments that are supporting An Garda Síochána and the RSA with this important safety initiative. The massive level of support is indicative of the desire and necessity to always keep Road Safety to the forefront of all our minds”

Mr. Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority said:

"Tragically 96 lives have been lost on our roads so far this year in unnecessary, preventable tragedies. The month of June has been particularly bad with 25 road deaths, a level of carnage not seen in almost two years. I’m also concerned about the number of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities which show a marked increase on this time last year.

As we look to the next six months it is clear that we all need to make a bigger effort on the road and hopefully we can save lives and prevent further grief and suffering for families and communities across the country. The people of Ireland have shown what can be achieved when road safety is prioritised. So, I’m asking every road user to set their own personal target to return to the life-saving behaviour they have shown over the last number of years.”

Each Garda Division will have an area locally where members will be available to give road safety advice and distribute leaflets. Garda members who are not responding to emergency calls will be leading by example - reducing their speed, and driving at speeds appropriate to the prevailing conditions.

Public and private sector fleet operators have been asked to participate in the initiative by circulating employees with the key message to "Slow Down” and, whether driving for business or private purposes, to always drive within the speed and at a speed appropriate to the prevailing (repetition) conditions.

There will be highly visible speed checkpoints on national primary and secondary roads, carried out by local members and the Garda Traffic Corps, and also by GoSafe vans.

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Motorcycle Safety Campaign

Issued on 4th May 2012

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Issued on 4th May 2012

The month of May is generally the beginning of the Motorbike season for many motorcyclists across Ireland. This bank holiday weekend sees the launch of a month long campaign which will focus on road safety for motorcyclists and road users who encounter motorcyclists across county Kildare, targeting motorcycle clubs and associations in the county.

Motorcyclists represent less than 1 in 50 of all licensed vehicles in Ireland, and they account for 1 in 8 road deaths, one of the main reasons is that, in a collision, motorcycle and moped users have less protection than drivers or passengers in vehicles. In the past five years, 121 motorcyclists were killed on Irish roads.

Launching the campaign at Kildare Garda Divisional Headquarters, Naas on Friday 4^th May 2012 were Kildare County Council’s Road Safety Officer Declan Keogh, Motorbike Garda John Joe O’ Connell, Traffic Corps, Naas and Leading Ambulance Paramedic Tony Kelly from the HSE National Ambulance Service. Education and training are an issue in relation to motorcyclists and biking can be fun and safe, however, if you do not have the proper skills and attitude to safety, then the benefit of education and training is lost and becomes a much riskier pursuit.

‘Bizarre and disappointing’
While visibility is an essential part of road safety, so too is wearing protective gear on a motorcycle because it can minimise the severity of injuries in a collision. Declan Keogh says that it is disappointing that, considering the injuries sustained in collisions, while it is mandatory that motorcyclists should wear a high visibility vest, however, it is not the case for PPE or the appropriate gear. “It is mandatory for a motorcyclist to wear a high visibility vest while riding a motorcycle, unfortunately however, I find it ‘bizarre and disappointing’ that it is not mandatory for a motorcyclist or pillion passenger to wear the proper and appropriate protective gear while riding on a motorcycle. After all, if you come off a motorbike, a vest will not provide for any protection whatsoever, whereas the protective gear will. I hope this will change soon enough”

Common Injuries

All too often motorcyclists or pillion passengers suffer severe and unnecessary injuries following a collision with or from a motorcycle. Leading Ambulance Paramedic Tony Kelly outlines what injuries can be sustained in such collisions. “Most common injuries we would see following a motorcycle collision are head injury, neck injury which would be spinal injury, and chest injury. We also see lower limb fractures. Where people are not wearing the correct or appropriate protective gear, a lot of people would suffer road rash, this is where the skin is torn off the patients, and they would suffer over the years getting skin graph”.

Common Offences

Garda John Joe O’ Connell is a member of the Garda Traffic Corps in Naas. He says that motorcyclists are not exempt in anyway from the same rules or restrictions as four wheeled vehicles. “We find when patrolling the roads of Kildare that the major offences by motorcyclists are speeding and defective motorcycles, and this includes all aspects of the bikes, the main one being the tyres. Not many know that the correct tyre thread depth for a motorbike is 1mm, and again not many wear the correct protective gear. We do stop and breathalyse motorcycle drivers, and they are also stopped or prosecuted for speeding etc. Motorcyclists should be reminded that whatever offence a vehicle driver can be prosecuted for, so too can a motorcyclist, and this includes speeding and drink or drug driving. We would urge any motorcyclist to ensure that firstly, the bike is roadworthy and secondly that they take all aspects of safety into consideration for themselves as a motorcyclist and also for their pillion passengers"

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Be Safe - Be Wise - Be Bright - Wear Bright - ARRIVE ALIVE!

Be Safe - Be Wise - Be Bright - Wear Bright - ARRIVE ALIVE!

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2011 Nov 11 - Planning for Severe Weather Conditions

During the period 27 November to 26 December 2010, there were several snowfalls and some very cold nights on which temperatures fell as low as -180C. In some cases temperatures stayed continuously below 00 for several days at a time. Ground froze to a depth of about 30 centime.....

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The severe cold and variability of the weather affected road transport and water supplies in County Kildare. The county council responded to these conditions in two phases, the first of which saw an emphasis on keeping roads open and safe, while the second was characterised by a campaign to sustain water supplies.

Winter Advice and Information
For information, alerts and advice go to our website http://www.kildarecountycouncil.ie/ A national campaign was also launched on the 9th November with an accompanying website http://www.winterready.ie and a “Be Winter Ready” advice booklet available.

Keeping Roads Open
There are 2,000 kilometres of public roads in the county. Constraints on resources mean that the Council must prioritise the gritting / salting of the main routes in the County. The details of these prioritised gritting routes are available in map and text format on the Council’s website www.kildare.ie/countycouncil/emergencynewsandinformation

Footpaths
In periods of severe cold weather it is not possible for Kildare Local Authorities (Kildare County Council, Naas Town Council and Athy Town Council) to treat all roads and footpaths. The priority for the Council is to keep the main routes in the county, which carry the larger volumes of traffic, open.

Following concerns expressed, by some householders and business owners, in relation to liability, advice was sought from the Office of the Attorney General.

The advice received is that liability does not arise for snow that is cleared in a safe manner on footpaths or in front of premises. Commercial property owners in particular should make sure that they have adequate supplies of salt in place to ensure the safety of employees and visitors. Advice relating to the clearing of footpaths is available on the Council’s website.

Community Involvement
The Council was greatly encouraged by the strong spirit of volunteerism witnessed throughout the country last winter. The Council would urge members of the public to reach out to their older neighbours during episodes of severe weather to make sure that they are okay.

In relation to people gritting or salting their own roads with salt or grit supplied by the local authorities, the legal advice is that the issue of liability does not arise where the material is delivered, stored and used in a safe manner and does not cause a hazard

Water Supplies
Public water supplies came under pressure in December / January 2010. There were indications that consumers were leaving taps running to prevent the bursting of pipes in their homes and businesses and this caused significant loss of water. There were also a number of bursts in watermains which contributed to the problem.

The combined effect of these losses drove demand in Kildare to unsustainable levels. This occurred against a background of the critically-balanced supply in the Greater Dublin Region from which County Kildare draws much of its water.

With the return of severe cold weather this winter there is advice for householders on the Council’s website in relation to (a) preventing stopcocks from freezing, (b) protecting pipes inside and outside the home and some general hints and tips.

Contact Details
During normal office hours you can contact Kildare County Council by telephone; (045) 980200, by email; secretar@kildarecoco.ie or by writing to us at Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co Kildare.

Outside of normal office hours you can call the Emergency Number 1890 50 03 33.

All Alerts/Press Releases/Advertisements/Latest items added to the Council\\\'s website feed automatically into facebook and twitter. This means that if you "like" or "follow" the Council you will get regular updates sent to your facebook page or twitter account.

These updates could relate to a road closure, a burst water pipe or an upcoming event in your locality. “Like” the council at www.facebook.com/kildarecountycouncil, "follow" the council on twitter www.twitter.com/KildareCoCo or “subscribe” to our rss feeds http://kildare.ie/countycouncil/rss/allrss/

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2011 Oct 27 New Lower Legal Drink Driving Limits

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport has launched the campaign for the introduction of the new lower legal drink driving limits. The drink drive limit, which is coming down in line with Eur.....

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2011 Oct 25 - Kildare Floods - Advise for Drivers

For more advise on Driving through Floded areas << See More > >

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2011 Oct 1st - Kildare Crash: Two Teens Killed

Gardai are investigating a fatal road traffic collision on the Naas to
Kilcullen Road, at Brownstown, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare. The collision,
which involving two cars, happened shortly before 3.00 p.m. on Saturday
the.....

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2011 Sept 27 - National Ploughing Championships

\'Quirky cars and gadgets to plough home the message of road safety in Athy\'

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\'Quirky cars and gadgets to plough home the message of road safety in Athy\'

Crashed cars, driving simulators, car break reaction testers and the Beer Goggles game are just some of the quirky resources in which Kildare County Council will use to get the message of road safety home to the thousands of visitors to this years National Ploughing Championships in Athy, Co. Kildare. Over one hundred thousand people are expected at the three day event and in an effort to ensure visitors get to and from the event safely, a joint road safety appeal is being issued by Kildare County Council, the Road Safety Authority and the National Ploughing Association and they are urging motorists to prepare for their journey, plan ahead and above al, drive safely and responsibly.

In addition to the many activities taking place at the road safety stands, thousands of high visibility vests will be available to adults and children for a donation of €2 or more, the proceeds of which will go to the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dun Laoighre. Last year, Kildare Road Safety raised a total of €7,246.00 for the NRH from donations received for high visibility vests.

This is Kildare County Council\'s third year at the Ploughing Championships and road safety officer Declan Keogh says the last two years have been very successful, however, young people and adults need to be more responsible in terms of their own safety on the roads. \'The last two years have been very successful for us, and each year we have increased our road safety awareness even more. Road safety in general brings bad news to a lot of families, but this can be prevented. Our presence at the Ploughing Championships is making people more aware of the risks, dangers and consequences associated with road carnage in a quirky, light humored, but strong, interactive and visual way, but at the end of the day, it\'s the responsibility of each and every young person and adult to be more conscious about their own safety on the roads, as well as that of others\'.

A comprehensive Garda Traffic plan has been put in place and people who can avail of public transport are advised to. However, for those who have to travel by car, they are being urged to plan ahead, find out their routes and before their journey, ensure a safety check is carried out on your vehicle. For long distance travelers, regular stops should be made along the way to help drivers revive.

The Road Safety Authority will also be at the event, with their interactive road safety shuttle and the new \'Roll Over\' car. Mr. Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority said "This year, we will again be giving out 40,000 FREE high visibility vests for adults and children to ensure pedestrians and cyclists are safe on the roads. As the evenings get darker, it is important to Be Safe and Be Seen on the road. So come down to our \'Shuttle\' and our roll over car at the Ploughing Championships and get a free high visibility vest for you and your loved ones. We urge all motorists to plan ahead and give themselves plenty of time, listen to traffic updates and wear your seatbelts".

Kildare County Council will showcase its suite of road safety video tutorials on driver behavior on a big screen. The videos show the various types of dangerous driving behavior that can and has caused serious and fatal collisions on the roads. Declan Keogh says these videos will show people what bad driving habits are really like. "We have someone driving while drunk, another driving while texting and another driver demonstrates the different stopping distances on a dry and wet surface, and these videos show people, from different angles what bad driving habits are really like". In addition to this, large signs will be visible at each car park exit to remind drivers and passengers about the importance of safe driving & seatbelts.

Anna Marie McHugh from the National Ploughing Association says thousands of people will converge on Athy and the NPA want people to have great memories, not heartbreaking ones. \' The National Ploughing Championships is the annual pilgrimage for farming folk, with thousands traveling from all over the country to converge on Athy, to join in the celebration of 80 years of the NPA. We want everyone to make it to and from the event safely, so please take care, drive responsibly and be aware of the extra traffic on the road during Ploughing Week. We want everyone to have great memories of this momentous year not heartbreaking ones\'.

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2011 Aug 31 - Back to School - Adults urged to take action

Issue date: 30th August 2011

Parents and Guardians of school children across Kildare are been urged to take a more serious and responsible approach to road safety w.....

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Issue date: 30th August 2011

Parents and Guardians of school children across Kildare are been urged to take a more serious and responsible approach to road safety when bringing their child to and from school. The call comes as thousands of primary and secondary students return to school and follows the release of the ‘Child Casualties Report’ by the RSA which shows 249 children up to 14 years old were killed on Irish roads between 1997 and 2009 and an additional 1,013 were seriously injured.

Kildare County Council’s Road Safety Officer Declan Keogh says a heavily active and continuous programme for road safety will be delivered to primary & secondary schools and third level colleges across the county from November to June. The road safety officer will also deliver programmes to Crèches in conjunction with the Kildare Child Care committee. Declan Keogh said that parents & guardians need to play their part too. ‘Many adults who bring a child to school can sometimes have old habits which younger children pick up on. I am asking all adults, whether you are walking, cycling or driving a child to school to be more proactive, teach the child the safe way to cross a road, cross at safe places and explain to the child why it is safe to cross there. If travelling in a car, wear your seatbelt and make sure, that everyone else in the car wears theirs’.

Mr. Keogh is also concerned at the negative habits that drivers have when dropping off or collecting school children. He said drivers should consider where they are parking their vehicle when dropping off and collecting children at schools. A lot of congestion on public roads has already occurred at many schools and this can lead to critical road safety hazards. ‘Vehicles are generally parked in dangerous positions and children are then forced to walk between parked and moving vehicles. Young children are vulnerable people, and are not able to judge the traffic like adults. Drivers and Parents in particular must take responsibility for their actions in the areas of schools’ he said.

Kildare county council has almost 30 school wardens or as they are affectionately known to children as lollipop men and women. School Wardens have a very important and responsible role to play at schools. Mr. Keogh is appealing to adults to cooperate with the school wardens and obey their signal. ‘Many people still realise the important and responsible role of the warden and they sometimes don’t obey the instructions of our wardens. They are there for the safety of your children, so please help them along, work with them and be cautions when approaching a school crossing as the warden may stop traffic at any time to allow children to cross, so please drive safely and be courteous’.

The RSA’s ‘Child Casualties Report’ also highlighted a significant reduction in child passenger fatalities which decreased by 73% between 1997 and 2009. 61% of child fatalities in this period occurred outside built-up areas where the roads had a posted speed limit higher than 60km/h. The research also revealed that over half (56%) of all child casualties in Ireland between 1997 and 2009 were pedestrians or cyclists.

Mr. Noel Brett, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority said: “There has been a significant reduction in the number of children being killed and injured on our roads, but simply put, one death is one too many. As part of this year’s ‘Back to School’ campaign, the RSA is delighted to be working with ESB Electric Ireland again to provide every child starting school with a high viz vest. This initiative will help to keep our youngest and most vulnerable road-users safe on the roads when walking or cycling to school.”

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2011 July 6th - Oxegen Road Safety Campaign

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A major road safety awareness campaign is being launched today to coincide with this weekends Oxegen music festival in Punchestown. The campaign focuses on Drink & Drug Driving and Driver Fatigue. Festival goers are reminded of the legal and social consequences of driving while under the influence of illegal or controlled substances.

The campaign called \'Stamp out Drink & Drug driving\' and ‘Have a Break’ is headed by Kildare County Council, the Kildare Joint Policing Committee and the Regional Drugs Task Force and is supported by all Local Authorities in the region, the Gardaí, the Road Safety Authority and concert promoters MCD.

Festival goers are invited to become ambassadors for the campaign by posing with the Oxegen crowd on a cardboard cut-out which features the \'STAMP OUT Drink & Drug driving\' slogan. People will be able to put their heads through a silhouette and have their photographs taken. The photographs are then posted on the Kildare Road Safety Facebook page and participants are given the opportunity to take part in a competition.

Kildare\'s road safety officer Declan Keogh says every effort is being made to raise awareness on this issue. \'People are already aware of the risks associated with drink driving, and thankfully, they are now becoming more aware of the dangers and consequences of drug driving. Our aim is to link in with festival goers and highlight the effects of driving while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, and every effort is being done for this because let\'s face it, if a person drives while off their head, it could be the last trip they ever have!\'

Kildare\'s Garda Chief Superintendent Michael Byrnes said \'\'This campaign demonstrates the benefits of working co-operatively with our partners, under the auspices of Kildare Joint Policing Committee, across the County. Serious problems in society, such as drink and drug driving, require a concerted effort between communities and authorities to find solutions. This project aims to engage with younger people to stimulate awareness of the risks posed by illegal drug use and the dangers it brings. It is important that people appreciate the far reaching and life limiting consequences involved in illegal drug use. I hope that the younger community can identify with this message and become partners in combating illegal drug use.\'\'

Concert promoters MCD are advising motorists to take care on their journey to Oxegen. Justin Green of MCD says \'Where possible people should use public transport or avail of the Park & Ride facilities at Goffs. For those who must travel by car, we would encourage them to drive safely to and from the event, having regard for other people on the road\'.

Steven Joyce, Development Worker with Kildare\'s Regional Drug Task Force would like to remind festival goers that 1 minor drugs conviction can limit your possibilities of travel, employment, and freedom, he went on to say that in order to protect their dreams they should make informed decisions and not let the party atmosphere blur good judgement.

Tens of thousands of people are expected on the roads over the three days and Monday morning is expected to be the busiest with a very large contingent of people leaving the venue at the same time. The end of the road safety campaign will focus on Driver Fatigue and will target drivers as they make their way home from the event. Kildare County Council have teamed up with a number of Applegreen and Texaco Motorway service stations in county’s Kildare, Dublin, Louth and Meath as part of their ‘Have a Break’ from driving initiative. Oxegen motorists will receive a free Kit Kat bar when they purchase a cup of tea of coffee at the participating motorway service stations.

Noel Brett CEO, Road Safety Authority advised "This weekend should be about enjoying the best of Irish and international music in the company of good friends. If driving to Oxegen it is essential you focus on the task of driving and stay alert to other road users and unpredictable hazards on the roads. In particular I would highlight the distraction caused by using a mobile while driving. I understand that people need to use their mobile phone as part of their daily lives but by choosing to do this while driving you are putting yourself and others at risk. You cannot read the road when you are reading or sending text messages. No phone call, or scan of your social networking pages, is worth putting your life or the lives of others in danger. My advice is to switch off before you drive off, and if you need to use your phone, pull in and park in a safe place first."

Declan Keogh is urging drivers to plan ahead, expect long delays and follow the directional signs and instructions from An Gardai and the stewards. Motorists are also advised to listen for traffic reports on the radio. Mr. Keogh is also warning of the dangers of driver fatigue and urges drivers to consider carefully what might happen if they attempt to drive while over tired and unfit to drive.

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2011 May 23 - Kildare Crash: 16 Year Old Killed

Gardai in Celbridge, Co. Kildare are investigating a collision in which a female was killed. The collision happened on the Celbridge to Leixlip road at 4.55 p.m. A 16 year old girl was fatally injured when she was struck by a .....

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Information Day for new RSA Regulations

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has announced that the new Essential Driver Training (EDT) programme, which requires learner drivers to take compulsory driving lessons for category B.....

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The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has announced that the new Essential Driver Training (EDT) programme, which requires learner drivers to take compulsory driving lessons for category B vehicles (cars and light vans), was introduced on Monday 4th April.

EDT is one of a range of measures announced by the RSA last September as part of a new Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system which will enhance the way drivers are trained, tested and licensed in Ireland. Any person getting their first learner permit with a start date on or after 4th April 2011 must complete a minimum 12 hours of Essential Driver Training, with an RSA registered Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) before they can sit their driving test. Typically the 12 EDT lessons will be spread over six months and be supported by practice and tuition as required. In addition to the mandatory lessons with an ADI the learner driver should also undertake ongoing practice with their Sponsor.

This practice is a vital part of the learning process, and the role of the Sponsor is an essential part of the learning to drive process. Their role is to accompany and support the learner driver as they practise and build on the skills they have learned in their lessons with the ADI. Therefore it is essential that the learner driver chooses a person with whom they feel comfortable and who has had their full driver’s licence for a minimum of two years and has lots of driving experience. The RSA recommends that the learner driver practises the skills learned in each compulsory EDT lesson with their Sponsor for at least three hours before their next lesson.

An Information Day on the new regualtions is being held at the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge on Saturday 9th April between 12pm and 3pm. Kildare county council's road safety officer and Approved Driving Instructors will be on hand to provide additional information.

Those who attend and register will be entered into a free Draw to win one of two sets of FREE Driving lessons.

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BE SEEN - SLOW DOWN - BELT UP - DRIVE SOBER

All road users are urged to ensure that they are visible to road users, drivers drive slowly and carefully, all drivers and passengers, front & rear are wearing a seatbelt and that all drivers are driving sober of alcohol or illegal drugs.

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Christmas Road Safety Campaign Launched

Launch of Kildare's Christmas road safety campaign.

'Who's gonna drive you home tonight'
(Interviews below conducted by Sinéad o' Donnell)

The Mayor of Kildare, Councillor Brendan Weld officially launched Kildare co.....

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Launch of Kildare's Christmas road safety campaign.

'Who's gonna drive you home tonight'
(Interviews below conducted by Sinéad o' Donnell)

The Mayor of Kildare, Councillor Brendan Weld officially launched Kildare county councils fourth Christmas road safety campaign. The campaign called 'Who's gonna drive you home tonight' was launched at the council chambers, Áras Chill Dara at 11am on Thursday 9th December.

This year’s campaign focuses on 'Designated Drivers' and aims to encourage drivers to become safe and responsible drivers by refraining from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Speaking at the launch, Mayor Weld said "We see and hear a lot of tragedies on the roads through the media, and it is always seems worse when it happens at this time of year, because Christmas time is meant to be a special time for families'. The Mayor congratulated the emergency services and those in road safety and wished them a safe journey themselves while responding to any type of incident on the roads. He feels that the message of road safety is being taken on board. “It has taken a lot of time and resources to get the message out to people, but I feel that the message is getting out”.

A number of radio, newspaper and cinema adverts will be released to the local press as part of this important campaign. County Manager Mr. Michael Malone spoke at the launch and said "Road safety plays an important role in all sectors of the community, and he congratulated the emergency and voluntary services and wished them well over the Christmas and extended that to all staff in the Local Authorities. He added that the responsibility lies with a person themselves, whether to be a responsible person, or not".

Garda Inspector Jim Doyle, Traffic Corps, Kildare Division gave a presentation on the new GoSafe Garda Safety Camera system which was launched recently. The key message from the Gardai is to reduce crashes on the roads and enforce seatbelt wearing and the non-wearing of seatbelts. "Our key message is to be safe on the roads, to try and reduce the number of fatal collisions on the roads. In that regard it is very important for people to make sure they know how they are getting home before they head out”.

The Kildare Gardai have a road safety campaign that will focus on speeding, drink driving and the non-wearing of seatbelts. This will include widespread checkpoints across the county, focusing on MAT Mandatory Alcohol Testing. “Inspector Doyle added “One death is one death to many but we are heading in the right direction nationally, we see year on year the number of fatalities decreasing but I think Kildare county council and the Gardai are really proactive in road safety campaigns and in their efforts to reduce the number of road deaths”.

Speaking at the launch, road safety officer Declan Keogh outlined what was involved in the campaign and said "This is Kildare’s fourth Christmas road safety campaign and this year we are focusing on Designated drivers and trying to encourage people to think before they go out, about how they intend on getting home safely”. It is up to each and every driver and road user to ensure they are safe on the roads, and this campaign is encouraging those who may be socialising over the Christmas period, to think about how they are going to get home at the end of the night and to think 'Who's gonna drive you home tonight'"

Chief Fire Officer Celina Barrett said the Christmas time is a busy time for Kildare Fire Service, dealing with traffic collisions and fires, and there can be a fear among some firefighters that the person they are rescuing, may be local and known to them. “Most of our firefighters live locally so when they turn up to a collision, there is a good chance they know the people on the cars, and it’s important for all road users to slow down, they don’t want to meet our firefighters when they are doing their professional job”.

Ms Barrett also said both the fire and ambulance service work hand-in-hand, to rescue victims of road traffic collisions. “When the firefighters are turning up to the scene of an accident they are responding in a professional manner, and when they are working alongside colleagues in the Ambulance service, their job is to deal with patient safety and cut people out of cars”.

The Kildare Christmas road safety campaign will run from today December 9^th until Sunday January 9^th 2011.

Interview with Kildare Mayor Cllr Brendan Weld.mp3

Interview with Kildare Road Safety Officer Declan Keogh.mp3

Interview with Garda Inspector Jim Doyle.mp3

Interview with Kildare Chief Fire Officer Celina Barrett.mp3

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Severe Weather Alert

Before you make a journey, ask yourself, it this journey really necessary?
If you feel it is, and you insist on making a journey in such hazardous conditions, ple.....

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Before you make a journey, ask yourself, it this journey really necessary?
If you feel it is, and you insist on making a journey in such hazardous conditions, please be prepared. Ensure your windscreen, mirrors, lights & indicators are cleared of any snow, frost or ice. Have sufficient fuel in your tank and be conscious of the locations along your journey.

In the event of a breakdown or being stranded on the road, you should have the following items with you: a fully charged mobile phone, fuel reserves, a high visibility vest, a warning triangle, warm clothing, a blanket and water.

If you brake-down on a road or Motorway, please try to park the vehicle as far in off the road as possible and ring the nearest family member, friend or recovery service for assistance immediately. Notify the Gardai. NEVER walk along the motorway, especially at nighttime.

If you have to drive in these conditions, please do so with extreme care and caution, and be prepared.

Making an Emergency Stop
As a driver, in the event of you having to make an emergency or sudden stop, you need extra space and time for this to happen. That is why, in hazardous road conditions, it is vital that you leave about four car spaces between you and the vehicle in front.

Leaving this space will give you that extra time to firstly, realise what’s happening ahead, secondly, react by gearing down to slow your speed and thirdly, coming to a safe and complete stop.

Pedestrian Safety:
When walking in the snow, wrap up and wear gloves, BE SEEN, wear high visibility material. Pedestrians should wear suitable footwear with good grips. While out walking, walk slowly, taking short steps. Don’t walk with your hands in your pocket, just in case you fall or slip, and be careful when crossing roads, never walk out onto a road that would force a vehicle to make a sudden stop.

Gritting of roads:
Road crews and gritters will be out in force across the county over the coming days and nights, treating as many main roads as possible. However, not every road may be treated, such as local and back roads, and roads in and out of housing and industrial estates. Drivers should be aware that, although a road may have been gritted, this does not mean it is entirely safe to drive on at regular speeds, and motorists should drive treated roads with extreme care and caution.

Travelling up or downhills:
While driving on snow or ice and you are traveling uphill, you need to keep moving as much as possible, because, if you stop, it could be difficult to start again as the wheels may begin to spin. If there is another vehicle climbing a hill in front of you, be patient; let it get to the top before you start your climb, moving all the time and in the highest gear possible.

When driving downhill, remember to use a low gear and a very slow speed. You can use your gears to help you slow down.

Using brakes:
If you need to brake while driving on snow or ice, don’t slam on the brakes. If you do, the wheels may lock but the vehicle may keep moving, in any direction. If your car has ABS (anti-lock braking system), you should apply steady pressure to the brake until the vehicle has stopped.

For cars without ABS, again, don’t slam on the brakes. If you have done, release the brakes and then almost immediately, reapply them gently, and repeat this until the car has stopped.

If you have to drive in these conditions, please do so with extreme care and caution and be prepared.

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Irish Road Safety Week

This week in Irish Road Safety Week and Kildare county council's road safety officer has a number of initiatives and campaigns lined up once again this year.

The Road Safety roadshow will be.....

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This week in Irish Road Safety Week and Kildare county council's road safety officer has a number of initiatives and campaigns lined up once again this year.

The Road Safety roadshow will be visible throughout the county as it visits schools, colleges, Youthreach centres, shopping centres and towns. Two campaigns in particular being featured this year are the Primary schools Road Safety Calendar cempetition and the B.A.R.D. Boyz Against Road Deaths.

The calendar competition allows primary school cildren to enter their drawing in any of the three catagory's. Four winners each will be chosen from three catagory's: (i) Be Safe Be Seen, (ii) Crossing a road safely and (iii) Seatbelt wearing.

B.A.R.D. means 'Boyz Against Road Deaths'. This is a new initiative by road safety officer Declan Keogh who wishes to establish a forum among young drivers or the stereotypical Boyracres. The aim of BARD is to change the attitude of young male drivers, and the public towards young male drivers, and to help young drivers become safer drivers.

Road safety officer Declan Keogh says: 'There is a perception out there that young male drivers, or as they are known, Boyracres are the cause of most serious and fatal collisions on our roads, and they get a hard time in general. This campaign aims to establish a forum among young drivers throughout the county whereby they can discuss their concerns and voice their opinion'.

Those who become a member of B.A.R.D. will recieve a loyalty card and also may benefit from a number of incentives as part of the group, following their attendance and participation in road safety programmes and courses.

Elsewhere, a number of road safety educational programmes are being delivered to schools and youthreach centres across the county also this week and the road safety stand will be in atendance at the White Water shopping centre in newbridge on Friday 15th October 2010. Kildare is once again a host to European Night Without Accident. This is Kildare's fourth year to participate in this Eurowide initiative.

For more on whats happening, check out our website or add Kildare RoadSafety on facebook. Facebookers are asked to ensure that the words RoadSafety are one word.

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Fatal Crash: Pedestrian killed

Gardai at Athy, Co. Kildare, are investigating a fatal road traffic collision that occurred on the M7, at the M7/M9 junction on the 1^st Oct 2010.

The collision o.....

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