County Roscommon Road Safety Plan

MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
County Roscommon
Road Safety Plan
2010 - 2013
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Table of Contents
page
Foreword – County Manager / Introduction / Mission Statement................................3
Brollach – Bainisteoir Contae/ Réamhrά/ Ráiteas Misin …………………………………4
Profile of the County – Population, car ownership, road network ............................5-8
Collision Statistics .............................................................................................9-10
Key Risk Factors on Roads ................................................................................... 11
Objectives............................................................................................................. 12
Role of each Agency ........................................................................................ 13-22
Action Plans..................................................................................................... 23-25
Road Safety Messages..................................................................................... 26-29
2
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Foreword
We are pleased to present County Roscommon’s Road
Safety Strategy 2010 – 2013 which we believe will develop
an improved awareness of the important issues surrounding
road safety in the county and make the roads a safer place
for all road users. The continued growth in road transport
and increased vehicle ownership in recent years has led to
widespread concern about road safety. The successful
implementation of the Strategy will be dependent, not only
on the principle organisations responsible for road safety,
County Manager – Mr. Frank Dawson
but on all road users in County Roscommon.
We are committed to supporting the initiatives set out in this Strategy by the different agencies represented on the
Roscommon Road Safety Together Committee. It is hoped that this co-ordinated strategy will help to reduce the
number of collisions and other incidents on our roads and contribute to a safer environment with a reduction in the
number of fatalities and injuries. On behalf of Roscommon County Council and the Road Safety Together
Committee, we sincerely hope that this Strategy will make a significant contribution to road safety in the county.
Introduction
Road Safety is a major priority for County Roscommon. This Road Safety Plan seeks to promote an integrated
approach to road safety in the county through Education, Engineering, Enforcement and Evaluation. The Plan
has been developed by Roscommon County Council, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive, the Road
Safety Authority and the National Roads Authority under the auspices of the Roscommon Road Safety Together
Committee. The Plan outlines how the various agencies will co-ordinate their efforts to improve road safety and
reduce road collisions throughout the county. The Road Safety Plan is also intended to increase public awareness in
relation to road safety issues, with particular emphasis on speeding, drink-driving, and seatbelt wearing.
MISSION STATEMENT
of the County Roscommon Road Safety Together Committee
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
3
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Brollach
Tá áthas orann an Straitéis um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre do
Chontae Ros Comáin 2010 – 2013 a chur in bhur láthair.
Creidimid go gcothóidh an Straitéis seo feasacht níos fearr ar
na mórcheisteanna a bhaineann le sábháilteacht ar bhóithre sa
chontae agus go gcinnteoidh sí go mbeidh na bóithre níos
sábháilte d'úsáideoirí uile na mbóithre. Tá an fás leanúnach in
iompar bóithre agus úinéireacht mhéadaithe feithiclí le blianta
beaga anuas ag cruthú mórán buairte maidir le sábháilteacht ar
bhóithre.
Bainisteoir an Chontae – Prionsias Mac Dabhí
Beidh cur i bhfeidhm rathúil na Straitéise ag brath, ní hamháin ar na príomheagraíochtaí atá freagrach as
sábháilteacht ar bhóithre, ach ar úsáideoirí uile na mbóithre i gContae Ros Comáin. Táimid tiomanta do thacú leis na
tionscnaimh atá leagtha amach sa Straitéis seo ag na háisíneachtaí éagsúla atá ionadaithe ar Choiste Ros Comáin
Le Chéile um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre. Táthar ag súil go gcabhróidh an straitéis chomhordaithe seo le líon na nimbhuailtí agus na dtimpistí eile ar na bóithre a laghdú agus go gcuirfidh sí le timpeallacht níos sábháilte le laghdú i
líon na mbásanna agus na ngortuithe. Thar ceann Chomhairle Contae Ros Comáin agus an Choiste Le Chéile um
Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre, tá súil againn go gcuirfidh an Straitéis seo go suntasach le sábháilteacht ar bhóithre sa
chontae.
Réamhrá
Tá Sábháilteacht ar Bhóithre ina príomhthosaíocht do Chontae Ros Comáin. Tá an Plean seo um Shábháilteacht ar
Bhóithre ag iarraidh cur chuige comhtháite i leith shábháilteacht ar bhóithre a chur chun cinn sa chontae trí
Oideachas, Innealtóireacht, Forfheidhmiú agus Meastóireacht. D’fhorbair Comhairle Contae Ros Comáin, An
Garda Síochána, Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte, An tÚdarás um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre agus an tÚdarás
Um Bóithre Náisiúnta an Plean seo faoi choimirce Choiste Le Chéile Ros Comáin um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre.
Leagann an Plean amach an chaoi a ndéanfaidh na háisíneachtaí éagsúla a gcuid iarrachtaí a chomhordú chun
sábháilteacht ar bhóithre a fheabhsú agus imbhuailtí bóithre sa chontae a laghdú. Tá sé mar sprioc ag an bPlean
um Shábháilteacht ar Bhóithre feasacht an phobail a mhéadú i dtaobh ceisteanna um shábháilteacht ar bhóithre, le
béim ar leith ar thiomáint róthapaidh, ar thiomáint ar meisce agus ar chaitheamh criosanna sábhála
RÁITEAS MISIN
de chuid Choiste Le Chéile Chontae Ros Comáin um Shabháilteacht ar Bhóithre
Na bóithre i gContae Ros Comáin a dhéanamh níos sábháilte d’úsáideoirí uile na
mbóithre
4
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Population of County Roscommon
Census
Persons
1991
51,897
1996
51,975
2002
53,774
2006
58,768
[Insert photos of people living, working, commuting in Roscommon]
County Roscommon Population Trend
60,000
58,000
56,000
54,000
52,000
50,000
48,000
1991
1996
2002
5
2006
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Irish Bulletin of Vehicles & Driver Statistics 2006 – 2008
Published by Department of Transport
2006
2007
2008
No. of private cars licensed in Co. Roscommon
25,626
26,932
26,971
Total No. of vehicles licensed in Co. Roscommon
(incl. goods vehicles, tractors, taxi, hackney,
motorcycles, exempt vehicles, etc.)
36,332
37,528
36,999
3,533
4,154
3,277
3,456
3,473
3,516
3,626
4,673
4,163
Provisional
Annual
Triennial
10 year
5,221
93
2,943
28,041
5,323
102
3,168
28,935
4,066
123
3,440
31,203
Total
36,332
37,528
38,832
61%
55%
60%
No. of new vehicles first licensed in
Co. Roscommon in the year
NCT results (Castlerea, Co. Roscommon)
Pass
Fail
Driving licences current in County Roscommon
Driving test pass rate (all categories) by Driver
Test Centre – Roscommon
6
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
7
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Public Road Network in County Roscommon
Category
Kilometers
Miles
20
13
80
50
145
90
364
228
Local Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Routes
3,386
2,116
Road Network Totals
3,995
2,497
Motorway:
M6
National Roads:
National Primary Routes (N4, N5, N6)
National Secondary Routes (N60, N61, N63, N83)
Regional and Local Roads:
Regional Routes
The newly aligned Ballybride Bridge on Regional Road 366
8
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
County Roscommon Road Collision Facts 2005 - 2007
Year
2005 (no.)
2005 (%) 2006 (no.) 2006 (%) 2007 (no.) 2007 (%)
Fatal collisions
5
0.9%
5
1.1%
6
1.1%
Injury collisions
167
31.5%
97
20.7%
92
17.1%
Material damage* collisions
359
67.6%
366
78.2%
440
81.8%
Totals
531
100.0%
468
100.0%
538
100.0%
2005-2007 Collisions in County Roscommon
500
440
450
400
366
359
350
300
Fatal Collisions
250
Injury Collisions
Material Damage
200
167
150
97
100
92
50
5
5
6
0
2005
2006
2007
9
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
National Road Collision Facts 2007
Collision Type
Number
Percentage
Fatal collisions 2007
309
1.1%
Injury collisions 2007
5,158
17.6%
Material damage* collisions 2007
23,770
81.3%
Totals
28,417
100.0%
*Damage to a vehicle or property
Cost of a fatal collision
€ 2,891,435
Cost of a serious injury collision
€ 386,286
Cost of a minor injury collision
€ 38,045
Cost of a material damage collision
€ 3,044
2007 Collisions in Ireland
Fatal Collisions
1%Injury Collisions
18%
Material Damage
81%
10
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Primary Causes of Road Collisions/Death/Injuries
•
Inappropriate Speed for driving conditions
•
Impaired Driving – Alcohol/Drugs/Fatigue
•
Failure to use Seat Belts/Child Safety Restraints
•
Unsafe Behaviour towards/by vulnerable road users
High Risk Groups on Roads
11
•
Male Drivers/Passengers aged 17 - 34
•
Pedestrians – Particularly Over 65 Years
•
The Young and the Elderly
•
Cyclists and Motorcyclists
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Garda Speed Detection Cameras
The Objectives of the County Roscommon Road Safety Plan are to:
•
Make the roads in County Roscommon safer for all road users
•
Increase public awareness of road safety
•
Promote a collective sense of responsibility towards road safety
•
Enforce existing traffic legislation
•
Improve co-operation between the agencies represented on the Road Safety Together Committee
•
Support the principles of the National Road Safety Strategy 2007 – 2012
Presentation of Awards to Junior Wardens.
Junior School Warden Patrol.
12
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
ROLE OF EACH AGENCY
13
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Roscommon County Council
Roscommon County Council is the primary unit of Local Government in County Roscommon and was established in
1899 following the enactment of the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898. The elected Council consists of 26
members who are directly elected to represent the people of the County. A range of essential services are provided
by a number of Departments within the Council. The responsibilities of the Departments primarily involved in Road
Safety are set out below:
Curlews Bridge on the N4 National Primary Route in North Roscommon.
Roads & Transportation:
•
Road design, maintenance and improvement works
•
Licensing of abnormal loads
•
Traffic management, traffic calming and public parking
•
Installation and maintenance of public lighting
•
Low cost safety improvement schemes
•
Minor realignment and junction improvement schemes
Fire Service:
•
Responding to road collisions and other road based incidents
Motor Tax:
•
Taxation of vehicles
•
Issuing of driving licences
Planning & Development:
•
Review of planning applications for impact on road safety and traffic flows
14
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
An Garda Síochána
Enforcement of Road Traffic Laws is the function of An Garda Síochána. A strategy has been developed to reduce
the incident of road deaths and provide for safer roads in County Roscommon. The objectives and strategy are
outlined as follows:
Objectives:
•
Significantly reduce the incidence of fatal and serious injuries
•
Improve road safety
•
Change attitudes of all road users
Strategy:
Engagement with Stakeholders:
Coordinate the implementation of the Road Safety Strategy by engaging
with the Road Safety Authority, Roscommon County Council and other
relevant stakeholders
Education:
Promote road safety by delivering traffic awareness programmes to primary
and secondary schools in the county
Enforcement:
Carry out targeted operations in relation to:
15
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Outcome:
•
Speeding
•
Drink driving
•
Seat belts
•
Dangerous/reckless driving
•
Safe child
•
Youth racers
•
Safe HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicles)
•
Safe bike
•
Road traffic regulations
•
Mobile phone use while driving
Improving road safety in County Roscommon
Garda Speed Detection Cameras
Enforcement is carried out at highlighted locations/zones within County Roscommon. Sections of the road network
are zoned Red, Amber or Green depending on the number of recorded fatal, serious and minor traffic collisions.
These Collision Prone Zones receive priority patrolling on a scaled basis as follows:
Collision Zone
Patrolling Allocation
Red
50%
Amber
33%
Green
17%
The zone allocations are listed on the Garda website www.garda.ie
16
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Health Service Executive (HSE)
One of the objectives of the National Health Promotion Strategy 2000-2005 is “to work in partnership to promote
safety and injury prevention.” A primary element of this objective is road safety for all. The document also places
particular emphasis on supporting the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Government Strategy
for Road Safety. To meet this objective, the HSE in the Roscommon Local Health Area is working in partnership with
and supporting the work of the Roscommon Road Safety Together Committee.
The Roscommon Road Safety Together Committee has identified four main action areas; namely, Education,
Engineering, Enforcement and Evaluation. Education has been identified as an action area in which collaboration
with and the contribution of the HSE would be most beneficial. The European Road Safety Action Programme
produced by the European Commission in July 2003 states “studies and research on this subject have shown that to
achieve significant improvement in compliance with rules by road users, an overall approach is needed which
combines police checks with education and awareness campaigns for users.”
The HSE’s road safety education strategy aims to focus attention on human behaviour that can cause or contribute to
road deaths and injuries with particular emphasis on:
•
Wearing of seat belts
•
Speeding
•
Driving while under the influence of drugs (including prescription drugs) or alcohol
•
Continuing to drive while fatigued
17
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Initiatives to be undertaken by the HSE include:
•
Public Awareness – educational campaigns
•
Working in Schools – through the Social Personal Health Education Programme
•
Research – data is collected in relation to road traffic collisions and injuries
•
Interagency Work – collaboration with groups including Regional Drugs Task Force and the Alcohol Forum
Pedestrians with Hi-Visability Clothing
To be safe on the road individuals must:
•
Know the rules of the road
•
Respect the life of others and respect themselves
•
Adopt a responsible attitude
•
Understand ever-changing road conditions
The HSE supports the Road Safety Authority, National Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 by:
•
Adopting a Population Health approach to road safety throughout the HSE in the planning and delivery of
services
•
Integrating International Road Safety awareness events into road safety plans
18
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Road Safety Authority (RSA)
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is a statutory organisation created by the Road Safety Authority Act 2006. It was
established in September 2006 and its functions were transferred from the Department of Transport (DoT), the
National Roads Authority (NRA) and the National Safety Council (NSC).
Aim:
The aim of the Road Safety Authority is to save lives and prevent injuries by reducing the number and severity of
collisions on the road. Working to Save Lives is the stated goal adopted by the Board of the RSA.
Child Restraints in Cars Should be Fitted Correctly
Responsibilities:
The Road Safety Authority assumes responsibility for road safety related activities such as:
•
Formulating strategies
•
Vehicle testing
•
Driver testing and licensing
•
Penalty point operation
•
Road safety research and data collection
•
Driver education
•
Promotion of road safety awareness
•
Publishing national collision statistics
19
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
The RSA also has responsibility for vehicle standards; enforcement of training hours for bus, road haulage operators;
and issuing bus route licenses. This is the first time such an extensive and important range of road safety related
functions has been vested in one statutory body. It enables the RSA to co-ordinate and implement a series of
interdependent road safety initiatives in a way that has not been possible before now. While setting road safety policy
remains the function of the Minister for Transport, the RSA has a key role in advising on the formulation of such
policy.
Speed Kills
National Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012
The RSA was responsible for developing a National Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012. The Strategy was developed
with many stakeholders working in the area of road safety, including the Gardaí, education sector, health sector, local
authorities, National Roads Authority and of course the general public. The primary aim of the National Road Safety
Strategy 2007-2012 is to reduce collisions, deaths and injuries on Irish roads by 30%. Responsibility for each action
has been allocated to a lead Department or Agency and specifically to an individual within each organization. A
completion date for each action has also been set. The RSA will monitor the actions within the National Road Safety
Strategy 2007-2012.
20
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
National Roads Authority (NRA)
The National Roads Authority (NRA) was established in 1994 under the 1993 Roads Act. The function of the NRA is
to develop and maintain a safe and efficient national road network. In Roscommon, the national road network
accounts for 245 km of a total public road network of 3,995 km within the county. The motorway and national primary
and secondary roads within County Roscommon are as follows:
M6
From its intersection with the N6 at the Old Tuam Road Bridge to the Galway County Boundary at the River
Suck.
N4
From the County Boundary at Carrick-on-Shannon Bridge to the Sligo County Boundary North of Boyle
N5
From the County Boundary at Termonbarry Bridge to the Mayo County Boundary West of Ballaghaderreen
(via Strokestown, Tulsk, Bellanagare, Frenchpark and Ballaghaderreen)
N6
From the new Shannon Bridge between the Counties of Roscommon and Westmeath to its intersection with
the M6 at the Old Tuam Road Bridge.
N60
From the junction with the N61 at Roscommon to Ballymoe Bridge and from Galway County Boundary North
of Ballymoe to the Mayo County Boundary West of Ballinlough (via Castlerea and Ballinlough)
N61
From Athlone Town Boundary to the junction with the N4 North of Boyle (via Roscommon, Four-Mile-House,
Tulsk and Boyle)
N63
From the Galway County Boundary at Mount Talbot Bridge to the Longford County Boundary at
Lanesboro/Ballyleague Bridge (via Athleague and Roscommon)
N83
From the Galway County Boundary South of Cloonfad via Cloonfad Village to the Mayo County Boundary
North of Cloonfad
The NRA established a National Road Design Office (NRDO) in Roscommon Town to plan and develop the national
road network in Roscommon, Leitrim and Longford in accordance with the NRA Project Management Guidelines. As
part of a network of National Road Design Offices, the Roscommon NRDO is one of a number of offices that has
developed a nationally applied Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) for use on all designs for national
roads.
21
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Since its inception the NRA has committed itself to road safety in every practical manner possible. Road Safety
Authority collision data is used to identify trends in collisions and to develop an intelligence-led approach to road
safety improvement works. The database is also available for research purposes to all interested parties and has
been used by a number of agencies, colleges and institutions to identify collision causes and counter strategies.
While official responsibility for the collation of Garda collision data rests with the RSA since 2006, the NRA will
continue to disseminate the existing data and conduct research based on existing and future data.
New M6 Motorway under construction in South Roscommon.
The collision database is also used by other agencies to identify appropriate counter measures, including changes to
legislation and methods of operation. These include the proposed changes to the driver licensing system, the NCT,
the establishment of the RSA, the introduction of the penalty points system, the safety camera system and targeted
publicity campaigns. The NRA remains committed to interagency co-operation and will continue to assist all
interested parities in their efforts to reduce the incidence and severity of collisions on all roads wherever and
whenever possible.
22
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Action Plans
The Road Safety Plan seeks to promote an integrated approach to road safety through four distinct disciplines;
namely, Education, Engineering, Enforcement and Evaluation. The following action plans have been structured in
accordance with the identified disciplines and a lead organisation has been assigned to each specific action.
Summary of Abbreviations for Organisations:
DoT =
Department of Transport
DoEHLG
Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government
GS =
An Garda Síochána
HSE =
Health Service Executive
NRA =
National Roads Authority
RCC =
Roscommon County Council
RSA =
Road Safety Authority
RSTC =
Road Safety Together Committee
Lead
Organisation(s)
Target Group
RCC/GS
National Schools
“Be Safe” curriculum based resource pack
RSA
National Schools
“Back to School” promotion annually
RSA
National &
Secondary Schools
RSA/GS
Transition Year
Students
Pre-school Educational Resource
RSA
Pre-school
students
“Protecting our Community – A Call to Action!”
RSA
Community Groups
Older Drivers Programme
RSA
Older Drivers
High Risk Programme
RSA
17-24 Year
Olds/Youthreach &
Fás participants
Streetwise Programme
RSA
Junior Certificate
Students
Garda Schools Programme
GS
National School
“It Won’t Happen To Me” Programme
GS
Secondary Schools
HSE/RSA/GS
Parents
Education
Junior School Warden Scheme
“Your Road to Safety”
Child Safety In Cars
23
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Distribution of Road Safety Leaflets/Posters
Distribution of Hi Visibility Vests
Public Holiday/Christmas Safety Messages
Digital Screen Advertising
Daytime Dipped Headlights Campaign
Develop & update Council’s website on Road Safety Issues
RCC/RSA
General Public
RCC/GS/HSE
General Public
RCC/RSA
General Public
RCC
General Public
RSA/RSTC
General Public
RCC
General Public
Engineering
Lead
Organisation(s)
Road Maintenance Works
RCC/NRA/DoT
Winter Maintenance
RCC/NRA
Bridge Inspections
RCC/NRA
Resurfacing of the Road Network
RCC/NRA/DoT
Pavement Overlay Schemes
RCC/NRA/DoT
Traffic Calming Schemes
RCC/NRA
Low Cost Safety Improvement Schemes
RCC/NRA/DoT
Minor Realignment & Junction Improvements on Regional
RCC/DoT
and Local Roads
Review Speed Limits
RCC/NRA
Public Lighting Programme
RCC/NRA
Erection of Safety Barriers
RCC/NRA
National Road Lining
NRA/RCC
Parking Initiatives
RCC
Visually/Mobility Impaired Access on Footpaths
RCC/DoEHLG
Road Signage Schemes (Road death tolls)
NRA/DoT
Regulation of Road Opening Licences
RCC
Licensing of movement of Abnormal Loads on Public Roads
RCC
24
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Examine planning applications to assess the effect on road
RCC
safety & traffic flows.
Emergency Responses
RCC/GS
Correlation of Road Collision Statistics
GS/NRA/RCC
Lead
Organisation(s)
Enforcement
Detection of Road Traffic Offences
GS
Prohibition of Vehicles for Sale on Public Roads
RCC
Lead
Organisation(s)
Evaluation
Hold Regular Committee Meetings for Inter-Agency Updates
All
Review Road Safety Plan
All
Adhere to Principles of European Road Safety Charter
RCC
25
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Road Safety Messages
Motorists:
•
Drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions and circumstances
•
Drive with care and caution, especially at road works – “Expect the Unexpected”
•
Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front
•
Move into the hard shoulder if driving a slow moving vehicle to allow other traffic to pass (single carriageway
only)
•
Only overtake when it is safe to do so
•
Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists
•
Set out on journey as early as possible to avoid heavy traffic
•
Wear a seat belt and ensure all passengers front and rear are wearing theirs too
•
Take frequent breaks to avoid tiredness / driver fatigue
•
Never drive while impaired by alcohol, drugs (including prescription drugs) or tiredness
•
Use dipped headlights during daylight hours
•
Examine the condition, pressure and tread depth of tyres at regular intervals
•
Think mirror before action and indicate clearly
•
Observe correct lane discipline, especially at roundabouts
•
Do not use mobile phones while driving
•
On a Motorway, drive on the left lane and overtake on the right lane
Cyclists:
•
Use a bicycle which is the right size and correctly adjusted for you
•
Check your bicycle regularly and make sure it’s in good working order
•
Always wear a helmet when riding your bicycle
•
Always wear reflective clothing when riding your bicycle
•
Signal your intentions clearly
•
NEVER try to race through an intersection on an amber or red light
•
Leave plenty of space when passing parked vehicles – a door may open
•
Beware of the risks associated with Heavy Goods Vehicles turning capacity at junctions/turns/roundabouts
•
The use of earphones may impair your ability to hear traffic
26
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Pedestrians:
•
Always wear high visibility clothing when walking on the roadway
•
Walk on the footpath (where provided)
•
If there are no footpaths, walk on the right hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic
•
Use designated pedestrian crossings (where provided)
•
Use a torch when walking on unlit roads after dark
Pedestrian Crossing in Roscommon Town
Farming Community:
•
Ensure that agricultural vehicles are equipped with proper brakes, lights, reflectors and safety frames
•
Ensure that loads which project over the rear of the vehicle are fitted with a load reflector at the rear of the load
and on the right hand side
•
Never exceed the maximum permitted vehicle/axle weight limits as specified in Road Traffic Regulations and/or
the manufacturers maximum Design Laden Weight for the vehicle concerned
•
Do not overload tractor and trailer combinations
•
Vehicles or loads which exceed the maximum allowable weight, length or width require a special abnormal
loads permit from local authorities
•
Ensure that the tyres of tractors and other vehicles are regularly washed down to avoid carrying mud and
stones onto the public road
•
Ensure that material such as silage or slurry is not deposited onto a public road thus creating a traffic hazard
•
Move into hard shoulder, margin or lay-by to allow other traffic to pass in safety
•
Give adequate warning to motorists when driving livestock on a public road
•
Do not carry passengers on or in agricultural tractors
•
Landowners should ensure that roadside trees and hedges are cut back, trimmed and maintained so as not to
interfere with the maintenance of the public road.
27
MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Parents:
Travelling by Car
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All children should be restrained when traveling in a car
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Select a restraint that is based on your child’s weight and height and is suitable for the type of car
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NEVER fit a rearward-facing child restraint to a seat protected by an active frontal air-bag
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Set a good example by wearing your seat belt
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Ensure that passengers aged 17 or under are appropriately restrained with a seat belt or child restraint
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Never leave infants or young children unattended in a motor vehicle
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Always remove the ignition key when the vehicle is not in use
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Set down and collect children on the school side of the road - never park opposite and call your child to the car
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At school drop-offs and collections, respect other road users
Walking to School
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Small children should not cross roads alone. They cannot decide how far away a car is or how fast it is
going.
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Parents/Guardians/Adults should walk the route to school with children in advance
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Children walking on country roads should wear reflective clothing/armbands
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If there is no footpath, walk on the right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic keeping as close as
possible to the road side.
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Show your child how to cross the road by example. Choose safe places to cross and take time to explain
why, i.e. footbridges, zebra or pelican crossings, lollipop lady/man or junior school warden patrol.
Travelling by Bus
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Teach children to take special care getting on or off a school bus
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While waiting for a bus, children should stand well in off the road
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Before crossing the road they should wait until the bus has moved off so that they can see clearly in both
directions
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If safety belts are fitted, they must be worn.
Cycle Safety
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Make sure children are highly visible by wearing a reflective belt and bright clothes and wear a bicycle safety
helmet on all journeys
•
Check that the bicycle’s brakes, lights, reflector and bell are in good working order
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MISSION STATEMENT
To make the roads in County Roscommon a safer place for all road users
Children:
Remember the Safe Cross Code song when you are crossing the road!
Here are the words to the song you learn in school:
Safe Cross Code
Know the code
One, two, three, safe cross
Four, five, six, safe cross
One, two, three, four, five, six, Safe Cross Code.
Chorus
Remember
One – look for a safe place
Two – don’t hurry, stop and wait
Three – look all around and listen before you cross the road. Remember
Four – let all the traffic pass you
Five – then walking straight across, you
Six – keep watching, that’s the safe cross code.
Safe place stop and wait
Safe place stop and wait
Safe ground look around
Listen for a traffic sound
If traffic’s coming let it pass
Until the road is clear at last
Then walking straight across the road
Keep watching, that’s the code.
Chorus (as above)
That’s the safe cross code
Know the safe cross code
Know the code.
Remember - children under 10 years of age should only cross the road with an adult
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