16/09/2016
Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.
Arrive Alive for the Big Game
With the road death toll increasing by 18pc this year compared with the same period in 2015. football bosses, Mayo and Dublin football managers, Minister of State for Regional Economic Development and Sport,Road Safety Mayo, Road Safety South Dublin County Council and An Gardaí have kick-started a campaign to encourage motorists to watch their speed and to share the road with all users. The football managers took time out from preparation for the All Ireland final to show their support for Mayo County Council's Arrive Alive campaign, which aims to bring down traffic speeds on our roads.
The campaign asks motorists and passengers to make a personal commitment to drive at appropriate and legal speeds in a bid to tackle concerns about speeding in local communities and a special appeal is being made at the big match for all the fans to drive with care.
Mr Stephen Rochford Mayo’s County football manager, said: "On the football pitch, speed is a necessity - but excessive and inappropriate speed on the road is not 'fair play'.
"Apart from the obvious risk of causing injury and death, it also creates distress among local residents leading to people feeling unsafe as they walk, cycle or drive on our roads, let’s all work together to make our roads safer.
"I am proud to support this worthwhile campaign, and I hope that local people will help to make their communities safer places." The campaign is also being backed by the Dublin team football manager. Footballers and managers will be encouraging local people to make their pledge to ‘Arrive Alive’ and to think every time when they sit in a vehicle before they turn the key, that they will not speed.
Mr Jim Gavin football manager said: "Speeding traffic is a prime concern in many communities. We want motorists to think about their speed and how it might affect others as they pass through our communities.
Sometimes this might mean slowing down to a speed below that of the signed limit. We hope everyone takes note." Michael Ring Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, said "This is another opportunity to remind football fans about their road safety responsibilities. Fans should ensure the enjoyment of the game isn't followed by tragedy on the road,
Individuals and organisations wishing to follow their football team's example and make a commitment to Arrive Alive campaign should ask all their family members to adhere to the rules of the road at all times and lead by example in your own community."
Mr Noel Gibbons Road Safety Officer, Mayo County Council said 'We want all road users to change their behaviours and make these changes part of their lives in the future, which will save lives and reduce serious injuries on our roads.'
Garda Superintendent Sean Colleran Westport said 'We are advising motorists to leave on time to get to the match and not alone slow down but avoid erratic driving including overtaking and keep a safe distance from the car in front of them and factor in rest time on your journey to and from the event.''
Road Safety Officer in South Dublin County Council, Mr. Gary Walsh said he hoped road users would behave safely and appropriately and that he hoped people would “promote good road behaviour through their own actions and encourage others to do so also”.
We are asking people to use social media to get the message out there #GET THERE-NO REGRETS GAA fans.