Mayor issues warning over road safety as Bank Holiday weekend approaches

Motorists have been urged to slow down, wear seatbelts and put away mobile phones ahead of the bank holiday weekend by the Mayor of County Cork Joe Carroll, who delivered a stark reminder of the high number of road fatalities in Cork already this year.

He issued the warning as Cork County Council prepared to mark Amber Thursday, an initiative to promote safety on our roads, in the water, and in relation to fires over the August bank holiday weekend.

The mayor said: “Sadly, there have been 14 fatalities on our roads in Co Cork this year. Two pedestrians, four motorcyclists, a cyclist, and seven drivers and passengers have tragically lost their lives.

“I am urging motorists to slow down, ensure everyone is wearing their seatbelt, and to put away the mobile phone. I am encouraging all road users to please take care when out on the roads. Let us all work together to ensure safer roads for everyone.”

The 14 deaths on the county’s roads already this year is just one short of the tally for all of last year.

Meanwhile, Cork County Fire Service is encouraging members of the public to test smoke alarms, check their expiry date, replace smoke alarms every 10 years, and to have at least two working smoke alarms in their homes.

During June and July, Cork County Council’s beach lifeguards were called upon to rescue four people and assisted seven people in the water who needed help. The teams gave advice to members of the public on 4,927 occasions and administered first aid 89 times. Lifeguards advised that holding hands with children saves lives and noted that they have reunited 15 children with their parents on beaches, which underlines the importance of this advice for those supervising children near water.

Swimmers are reminded to swim within their depth, not to use inflatable toys on open water, and to always swim at a lifeguarded beach. Rip currents are a hazard at some beaches, so always look out for signage and safety information notice boards. Swimming inland in lakes and rivers is also proven to be high-risk in terms of water safety, so please know your ability before you go in.

Amber Thursday is supported by local authorities, the Chief Fire Officers Association, Road Safety Authority, and Water Safety Ireland.