Cork County Council Launches Joint Road Safety Promotion Campaign to Tackle Increased Road Fatalities in 2023

A group of people holding up promotional signs

In response to a disturbing increase in road fatalities nationally in 2023, Cork County Council, in collaboration with An Garda Siochana and Cork GAA, has launched a poster-based road safety campaign. The campaign aims to appeal to road users to exercise caution and promote shared responsibility on the roads. 

The campaign message is very simply “Be a Team Player think Road Safety”, emphasising the importance of slowing down, wearing safety belts, avoiding distractions such as mobile phones, and never driving under the influence. Acknowledging the roads as a shared space for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, scooters and motorcyclists, the campaign urges everyone to look out for each other. 

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn endorsed the campaign stressing,

As adults, it is vitally important to model safe behaviour on the roads to young people in our community so, set the example every time you use the road, be the adult who puts the phone down, puts on your safety belt and insists that all passengers in the car do so.  Observes speed limits, slows down and is respectful of all road users.  And never drive under the influence.

Superintendent Michael Corbett of An Garda Siochana said, “Just like on the pitch where we encourage players to give respect, get respect, the message is similar on our roads.   We are reminding all road users to respect each other while out on the roads for a safer journey.”

Recent statistics from provisional road traffic collision figures on New Years Day reveal a harrowing 19% increase in road deaths nationally in 2023. A total of 184 lives were lost in 173 collisions, compared to 155 deaths in 149 collisions in 2022. 

This campaign will see signage erected at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Pairc Ui Rinn and in numerous GAA grounds around the county in the next month to remind the public that unlike a mistake on the field, a mistake on the road could cost you your life.

Pat Horgan, Chairperson of Cork GAA said, “Cork GAA are delighted to be part of this initiative, safety is always paramount especially while driving. We encourage everyone to stay safe both on and off the pitch. Always wear a seatbelt while driving, wear a high visibility vest when out walking, running or stewarding."