Kildare County Council Is Encouraging Motorists To Drive Responsibly Over Easter Weekend

Thursday, 14 April 2022 15:32

By Caoimhe Harney

The council advises that people incorporate breaks into long journeys.

This bank holiday weekend, Kildare County Council is encouraging road users to be aware of the anticipated additional traffic volumes on the roads.

The Coucil is advising motorists to allow themselves extra time when planning long journeys and to ensure that they, and all passengers in the vehicle are wearing a seatbelt correctly and for the entire journey.

The Council notes it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure any passenger under 17 years old is wearing a seatbelt.

Long journeys can have a tiring effect on a driver, and the Council suggests, to avoid driver fatigue, it’s always a good idea to incorporate breaks along your journey.

People should take a few minutes out to grab a coffee or a quick nap in a safe place if necessary, this will help revive the driver for the next stage of their journey, the Council added.

Pedestrians should be mindful of their responsibility to be visible to other road users and only cross a road in a safe place and when it’s safe to do so.

It said motorists should drive within the posted speed limit and adhere to the conditions of the road.

It also reminds road users to allow a recommended 1.5m minimum passing distance when passing or overtaking a cyclist on the road.

Cyclists should also be visible to other road users, it said.

Kildare County Council Road Safety Officer Declan Keogh commented: “Traffic volumes on the roads increase when the weather improves, and it tends to increase again over the bank holiday weekend.

"We’re appealing to all road users to show courtesy and consideration to each other and for everyone to share the road. Responsibility is the key to a safe journey for everyone,” he added.