Day 1 – Construction Safety Week 2021

Drive Safe
Unfortunately, many people die on our roads every year. Up to 21 September this year, 114 fatalities occurred on Irish roads.

• Reportedly, 1 in 10 drivers admit to regularly texting while driving. According to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), drivers are 4-times more likely to crash if using a handheld phone while driving, and texting increases the risk substantially.
• Of the 85 drivers and passengers killed in seatbelt-equipped motor vehicles in 2020, over a quarter (26%) were not wearing a seatbelt.

Is Your Vehicle Winter-Ready?

• Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual and find out if it has any safety assist technology e.g. ABS

• Check the owners manual for instructions in the event you have to be towed, ( location of towing eye etc), this is especially important for trucks and buses

• Get your vehicle serviced to ensure it is fit and safe

• Carry out regular checks on the vehicle

For more information check the “be-winter-ready” link

What Can You Do?

Be aware of the four ‘killer-driving behaviours’ reported by An Gardai Síochána, which are:
(a) speeding
(b) drink and/or drug-driving
(c) not fastening seat belts, and
(d) using a mobile phone while driving.

Plan your travel, monitor weather forecasts, and undertake regular checks of your vehicle(s) to include

1. All lights clean and functioning
2. Tyre condition and thread depth (minimum limit of 1.6 mm, with 3 mm recommended for winter driving)
3. Windscreen wipers (no cracks, tears, or splits in the rubber)
4. Fill your washer bottle with windscreen wash
5. Service to schedule (inclusive of addition of anti-freeze to engine coolant)
6. Battery capacity (if greater than 3 years old, should be checked)
7. Carry a de-icer spray (Tip: to make your own, add 1-part white vinegar to 3-parts water)

Here are the links to some useful websites:

• www.transport.ie for updates from public transport providers

• www.rsa.ie to find more information on road safety

• www.met.ie to check the weather forecast

• www.aaroadwatch.ie for latest traffic news