Kilkenny motorists urged to take extra caution over Bank Holiday Weekend

Road Safety is a high priority for An Garda Síochána in the South Eastern Region. Regional Assistant Garda Commissioner Michael Finn is urging motorists within Kilkenny to be increasingly vigilant over this October Bank Holiday weekend to avoid fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.

Sadly, there have been twenty-two road collision fatalities on the Region’s roads this year. Over the October Bank Holiday weekend An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are focusing on vulnerable road users and the need for increased visibility by cyclists and pedestrians.

The longer winter evenings are now approaching and this brings added dangers for road users. For safe driving, motorists and motorcyclists must drive within the speed limits and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. It is also important to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy for winter driving – check lights, tyres, and brakes etc.

An Garda Síochána will place an extra emphasis on the enforcement of the key Lifesaver Offences of driving while intoxicated, speeding, non-use of seatbelts and the use of mobile phones. This campaign will involve all Garda resources, including Roads Policing Units in all Divisions in the South Eastern Region. High-visibility patrols will be put in place with an intensified schedule of checkpoints in both rural and urban locations.

With extra traffic volumes on our roads, driver fatigue must always be borne in mind and motorists are advised to pull over to a safe location and rest when experiencing fatigue. Short rest periods should be factored into long journey times.

"As Assistant Garda Commissioner for the South Eastern Region I appeal to all road users to play their part in helping us to ensure the safe use of our roads. I want to take this opportunity to wish everybody a very safe and enjoyable October Bank Holiday Weekend. Let us continue to work together to make our roads safer." Michael Finn concludes.