OLDER PEOPLE in Ireland are being encouraged to become more road safety conscious as part of an initiative announced yesterday by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
In a bid to cut the number of pedestrian deaths on Ireland’s roads, the authority, in conjunction with Age Action Ireland and the Irish Pharmacy Union, plans to distribute 200,000 high-visibility vests in 1,600 pharmacies across the country.
Speaking at the launch of the scheme, RSA chairman Gay Byrne expressed his concern at the rate of deaths of older pedestrians. Between 1997 and 2007, more than 30 per cent of walkers who died on the roads were over 65.
Mr Byrne also noted the recent Government cuts in spending for the RSA. “We were doing extraordinarily well,” he said, when referring to the organisation’s campaign to cut road deaths. However, funding had been declining since the most recent budget. He has been in talks with the Department of Transport but had not yet received an adequate response. “There’s no sense of urgency with the Civil Service.”
However, RSA chief executive Noel Brett said he was “grateful” for Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey’s backing for the authority’s work. “We have a budget for the year and we’re grateful to Minister Dempsey for the support.”
Of those over 65 who died on the country’s roads between 1997 and 2007, one-third were killed on dark roads with poor or no lighting. As walking becomes more common during the summer months, it is hoped the free vests will help to reduce fatalities.
“This is a way in which older people can help themselves,” said Age Action chief executive Robin Webster.
It is envisaged that all of the high-visibility vests will have been distributed to pharmacies by the end of this week. They are available free to the public.
Mr Brett added: “The best advice we can give is to be aware of your vulnerability on the road, take responsibility for your safety and make sure you wear a high-visibility vest when walking or cycling, day or night.”