Mayor Billy Gogarty officially launches South Dublin County Councils road safety awareness campaign

Mayor Billy Gogarty officially launches South Dublin County Councils road safety awareness campaign in St. Marys Parish Centre, Lucan on Wednesday 25^th October at 10.45 am.

Get Seen is the core message behind South Dublin County Councils road safety awareness campaign which aims to encourage older pedestrians to make sure they are safer when out and about on the roads by using reflective and fluorescent materials. The initiative is timed to coincide with the clocks going back this weekend.

Launching the campaign in St. Marys Parish Centre in Lucan, Mayor Billy Gogarty highlighted the fact that older pedestrians are over represented in the Road Collision Facts. In 2005 41% of pedestrians killed on our roads were aged 55years and over.

He emphasised the need for all older persons to ' Get Seen this winter by donning fluorescent or bright clothing during the day and light coloured clothing together with reflective material at night. They were also urged to walk on well lit routes and to cross roads at the appropriate pedestrian crossings.

During the campaign a selection of reflective products including pendants, bands, dangle tags etc. and an information leaflet will be distributed free of charge to Senior Citizen and Active Retirement Associations throughout the South Dublin County Council area. Secretaries of clubs are urged to contact the Road Safety Unit in the Council with their requirements.

The Councils Road Safety Officer, Margaret Branyan said that Pedestrian safety is very much dependent on being clearly seen by other road users and even a small strip of reflective material can help you to Get Seen from a distance. With a little thought and planning we can all make a difference to keeping safe on the roads during the winter months.

For further information please contact: mbranyan@sdublincoco.ie 01/4149177