RSA and Applegreen to provide free cups of coffee to drivers
With darker evenings ahead, as the clocks go back on Sunday morning, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking road-users to think about how they behave on the roads as winter approaches. Tragically 152 people have died on Irish roads so far this year, the same number as this time last year. With some heavy rain and high winds forecast for the weekend, and large numbers expected to take to the roads, the RSA is urging all road users to share the road responsibly and arrive alive.
Commenting ahead of the October Bank Holiday weekend, Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport Mr. Paschal Donohoe T.D., urged all road users to be extra vigilant this weekend.
“I am concerned at the number of people being killed on our roads this year, in particular the number of vulnerable road users. With clocks going back this weekend, which will result in darker evenings I would appeal to all road users to take greater care when using the road. Be seen by wearing reflective material if out walking or cycling and drivers please use your dipped headlights at all times. Be aware too that the changing weather will make for challenging road conditions so it’s critical that all take extra care.”
Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority said;
“Bank holiday weekends are high risk periods on our roads. Traffic will be especially heavy today and people should expect delays. My advice would be to set off on your journey as early as possible and take a break to avoid fatigue. The RSA and Applegreen will be joining forces again today Friday 24th October to provide free cups of coffee to drivers between 2pm and 8pm at 17 participating service stations around the country. Drivers simply mention ‘RSA’ or the ‘Driver Reviver’ campaign to the till operator and they will receive a free cup of coffee.”
More information on driver tiredness can be found in the RSA’s booklet ‘Driver Tiredness – The Facts’ and can be downloaded from the RSA website www.rsa.ie.
Drivers are also being reminded to participate in the national ‘Slow Down’ safety initiative, being held from 7am on Friday 24th to 7am on Saturday 25th October. More information on An Garda Síochána’s National ‘Slow Down’ safety initiative can be found on www.garda.ie.
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