BIG READ: Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Alive - Kilkenny Live

Whether you’re talking office gossip or planning your next night out, it’s common knowledge that nobody wants to be that one social pariah who is kept out of the loop. An experience commonly known as 'being left in the dark'.

Well, when planning on walking or cycling on our city or county’s roads, similar logic can apply. Being in the dark can have dire consequences, but not just for your social life!

Let’s not forget as mere pedestrians and cyclists, it’s becoming ever-increasingly obvious that we are only guests in the macho-car world. A society where the driver holds all the cards. Children, the elderly, cyclists, you name it... the roads belong to the man or woman driving a high powered vehicle, or so you would think.

Despite garda enforcement from Road Policing Units, the entitled attitude of many drivers is still alive and well, as many continue to break the speed limit and completely disregard the rules of the road willy nilly. And the victims aren’t just pedestrians themselves, drivers are putting themselves into danger they’re blissfully unaware of.

If you don’t believe me, ask the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

Last year, 174 people died in 160 fatal collisions. From drivers to pedestrians and cyclists to car passengers. It impacts us all! If the road eco-system is unsafe we’re all in danger.

The fear factor amongst pedestrians is further compounded by our foothpaths being invaded by aggressive, erratic and at times just plain reckless e-scooter driver and cyclists who often mowe people down like an army tank en route to invade a country.

So, as pedestrians and cyclists - what can we do to protect ourselves?

Two words - 'light up'. By no means a fool proof solution but as driving habits appear to disimprove, our role as pedestrians must be to protect ourselves and the driver, from being part of a scenario that could be the most life-altering and damaging any person could experience.

The burden of proof doesn’t just lie with drivers but also with pedestrians. Sticking our heads in the sand and hoping driver behaviours will change is as useful as eating a carvery dinner with a spoon. The best form of protection is to wear a high visibility jacket. Stylish? No. Will it be the look that captures the attention of your next boyfriend or girlfriend? Probably not but it will likely capture the attention of the driver.

According to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), pedestrians and cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in Ireland. In 2022, there were 41 pedestrians and 9 cyclists killed on Irish roads, accounting for 23% of all road fatalities. In addition, there were 1,029 pedestrians and 1,014 cyclists injured in collisions with vehicles. Many of these collisions could have been prevented if the pedestrians and cyclists were more visible to the drivers.

That message still unfortunately has yet to resonate with far too many who believe wearing clothes colour coded for a funeral is the way to go. Unfortunately, too many families have to attend funerals after such poor clothing choices from their loved ones. And it could have been so different... The facts are clear.

A study by the RSA found that wearing high-visibility clothing can increase the visibility of pedestrians by up to four times and cyclists by up to six times. The study also found that drivers can detect pedestrians wearing high-visibility clothing from a distance of 500 metres, compared to only 150 metres for those wearing dark clothing. Similarly, cyclists wearing high-visibility clothing can be detected from a distance of 400 metres, compared to only 100 metres for those wearing dark clothing.

Hi vis clothing is a simple and effective way to be safe and seen on the road. When you’re out of sight, you’re out of mind and there’s no more vulnerable place to be in that position than on our roads and footpaths.

Vision zero is a strategy to have zero road deaths by 2030. Be the next person to take a step forward on the journey to that destination.

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