The Donegal Road Safety Working Group have issued a road safety appeal to everyone attending the Joule Donegal International Rally saying that road safety is everyone’s responsibility and there is one essential ingredient required for everyone’s safety and that is common sense.
Brian O’Donnell, Road Safety Officer, said: “We are fully aware that in Ireland young people, and especially young men, are much more likely to be killed on our roads. The Donegal Road Safety Working Group is committed to promoting road safety but tragically young men are over represented in road deaths in Ireland.
“Young drivers are unfortunately classed as high risk takers and we are appealing to parents to make sure that their sons and daughters get sufficient driving experience and that the vehicles they are driving are road worthy. Driving too fast, travelling at night, when teenage passengers are in the car, not wearing seatbelts, having consumed alcohol and young inexperienced drivers are often a lethal mix and it is clear that young motorists are constantly taking risks behind the wheel.
“We need to stress how important the road safety messages are. High speed sport takes place in a controlled environment with all the protections in place from clothing, to the roll bars and tyres fitted to the car.
“Motorsport is hugely popular, with fans turning out in large numbers to support these events and safety is a top priority for all rally drivers and it should be the top priority for all road users. Unfortunately, there are also those who drive dangerously and drive illegally modified cars who have no interest in the rally and are only intent in causing trouble for the Gardai and ordinary members of the public who use the roads.
“Large numbers will arrive in Donegal to attend the rally and also to enjoy everything the County has to offer and we want to emphasise the importance of safety, both on the rally course and on the public roads.
“Followers of the rally need to be reminded to watch the stages from safety areas, always stay within the speed limits and reduce speed in inclement weather conditions and allow plenty of time to arrive safely at your destination. Please keep the race in its place”.
To date this year, 5 people have died on Donegal roads, an increase of 4 on the same period in 2016.