Communities asked to Light up for Road Safety
Date: 17-11-2021
Local Authority Road Safety Officers across Ireland ask us all to shine a light for road safety on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims,
From 7.00 pm to 8.00pm Sunday, 21st November.
The enlightening campaign, in memory of all of those who have lost their lives on our roads will see council buildings across Ireland lit up from 7.00 – 8.00 pm as part of this year's ‘World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims’ on Sunday 21st November.
World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims is commemorated on the third Sunday in November each year. Mayo County Council will light up Áras an Chontae, The Mall in Castlebar as will other local authority buildings will be around the Country be lit up and we ask families around the Country to join us and ‘Light up for Road Safety’ by shining a light or burning a candle in your windows at the same time.
Since early 2020, there has been a large increase in the numbers of people walking and cycling our on our roads with their families. Road safety is now more important than ever, Road Safety Officers are imploring the public to please be vigilant of their own safety, there has been 119 lives lost on Irish roads to date in 2021.
On this important day, bereaved families and the seriously injured come together to acknowledge the terrible toll of road deaths and injuries and to show our thanks for the work of the emergency services, you too can show your support by participating in this event.
How can you get involved?
- Set a reminder on your phone to shine a light in your window from 7.00 PM – 8.00 PM on Sunday, 21st November.
- Spread the word and ask friends and family to do the same.
- Take a moment to remember the lives lost and those who have been injured, and to be appreciative of your own health and well-being.
- Check that your family has high vis jackets and torches for your walks and cycles.
- Never take road safety for granted.
Businesses and other organisations are also being encouraged to light up their building for road safety as part of this national campaign.
Tony Shevlin Acting Chief Fire Officer said “Road traffic collisions can and do have catastrophic consequences for not alone the vehicle occupants and pedestrians, but for all of us in the community. Every collision our firefighters attend is difficult. While we may not know the persons involved, we are acutely aware of the impact which is long-lasting and often permanent. The grief and distress experienced by the injured victims, their family, and friends are all the greater because many of the victims are young.
I would appeal to all pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers using our roads to ensure you are seen and that you drive safely because your family will be waiting for you. Please make this a peaceful World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Fire Vehicles will be outside Mayo Fire Brigade Headquarters in Castlebar lit up with blues on the evening of November 21st.”
Christina Lynch, Mayo County Council’s Interim Road Safety Officer said: “Families of crash victims never forget their loved ones who have died on the road. This day is an opportunity annually, for everyone to remember road crash victims and to think of the consequences around a collision, and what might happen if anyone is involved in a collision. Organisers are hoping the public and business sector will get involved and support this year’s event by lighting up for road safety.”
Similar actions will be undertaken by the Fire Service Country wide.
The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Michael Smyth said “One of the purposes of these services is to spread awareness. The many persons who lose their lives to a traffic accident is a global issue and these services will reflect that and also to acknowledge the work done by all the emergency services”.
Bridget Meehan HSE West Ambulance Service said “The ambulance service locally will be supporting the event also by lighting up all ambulance bases on the evening on November 21st between 7pm and 8pm and my colleagues around the Country will be also supporting this important event also.”
There will be a World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims mass in Knock Shrine at 12 noon on Sunday November 21st , which can be viewed online at www.knockshrine.ie/watch-live.