THE Donegal Road Safety
Working Group and Gardai have renewed their message
this Bank Holiday weekend for people to never, ever
drink and drive. Working group chairman Stephen
Lambert said: “If you are thinking of getting into
the car after a few drinks, stop and think. Do you
want your family to be visiting your grave this time
next year?" Mr Lambert urged people to "plan ahead"
.
"Leave the keys at home, designate a driver or book
a taxi," he said. He also encouraged the public to
use the recently launched ‘Tough Love’ road safety
phone and text service. 'Tough Love' provides a
confidential phone and text service for the public
to use if they are concerned about a loved one’s
poor driving behaviour. The service is open around
the clock on 087 980 9999 and does not require the
individual to give their name or address, only basic
details of the person they are worried about and
their driving behaviour. Official figures show that
up to May 25, 2009, a total of 105 people lost their
lives on Irish roads. This reflects a deterioration
following a welcome decline in road deaths in recent
years. Meanwhile, Garda Traffic Inspector, Michael
Harrison confirmed that officers would continue to
patrol for the main causes of road deaths and
serious injury, namely drink driving, speeding and
the non-wearing of safety belts.
"In particular Gardaí will be mounting mandatory
alcohol checkpoints across the county targeting
drink driving. We all have a responsibility when it
comes to road safety and it is so simple, just slow
down, wear your seat belt and never ever drink and
drive," said Inspector Harrison. |
