The Road Safety Authority has urged Irish road users to slow down this St Stephen’s Day.
They are also reminding people not to use phones while driving or consider driving intoxicated.
It comes as pedestrian deaths on Irish roads are at their highest in fifteen years.
RSA Chief Executive Sam Waide said phones are a big distraction for drivers.
“[A crash] happens in a flash so refrain from using your mobile phone,” he said.
“Refrain from your friends or colleagues in the car using mobile phones.
“It is a distraction to the driver so put it on flight mode or in the boot of the car.
“You can change your behaviour in regard to mobile phones as a car driver, a vehicle driver.”
Heading out this Stephen's Day? Make sure to plan how you get home safely. Book a taxi, use public transport or designate a driver. The same also applies if planning to walk, particularly in rural areas where there may be no footpaths or street lighting. #VisionZero pic.twitter.com/avHr42fNTC
— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) December 26, 2023
Mr Waide has also warned against drunk driving.
“Don’t take the risk of driving, share a taxi home or get public transport,” he said.
“I would challenge the young males to come to the rehabilitation hospital and speak to the young males who are in this hospital rehabilitating.
“Ask them if was it worth it taking those risks, taking those drinks or those illegal drugs - and then driving?
“It will change your life or your good friend's life forever.”
Slowing down is also encouraged by the RSA.
They said that 90% of pedestrians hit by a car driving at 60km/h will be killed, while 90% of pedestrians hit by a car driving at 60km/h will survive.
Some 181 people have died on Irish roads this year.
Main image: Garda checkpoint in Carrigaline, Cork, 10-4-2020. Credit: David Creedon / Alamy Live News
