THE GREAT June bank holiday getaway is likely to see tens of thousands of people take to the roads this weekend, and gardaí are warning motorists to be extremely cautious.
AA Roadwatch urged drivers to maintain appropriate speeds and take extra care while driving over this weekend, warning that more than a third of annual road fatalities occur during the summer months. Spokeswoman Aoife Carragher said: “Motorists taking to the roads in heat should be aware of driver fatigue; make sure you are well rested, take a break if you need it and always travel with a bottle of water. Sunglasses are a must in this weather.”
AA Roadwatch warned drivers this was the first weekend since new measures on drink-driving had been introduced, and that gardaí were now obliged to carry out mandatory alcohol testing of drivers at the scene of a crash.
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport yesterday called for double penalty points for driving offences during bank holiday weekends. It says this would encourage drivers to be more careful during the eight bank holiday weekends which represent some of the worst periods for road fatalities.
Bishop of Clogher Liam MacDaid urged motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, to take special care of themselves and their loved ones this weekend.
The Irish Coast Guard advised the public “to keep water safety in mind” when taking part in outdoor activities this weekend. As a result of development works being carried out at Smithfield by Dublin City Council, less than half the space usually allocated to the horse fair will be available for tomorrow’s fair, gardaí said.