The Wicklow County Council’s Road Safety Together Committee has launched the ‘Gift of a Lift’ road safety campaign to raise awareness about the importance of planning safe journeys home during the festive season.
This initiative encourages people to commit to giving a family member or friend a lift home or to arrange a taxi for them during the festive season, using a specially designed Christmas card.
As of 5th December, 2024, there have been 165 fatalities on our roads nationally, 5 of which occurred in County Wicklow. This tragic figure translates to 165 empty seats at the table this Christmas Day, a number that is far too high.
Alcohol continues to be the most commonly detected intoxicant among drivers in Ireland, followed by cannabis, with detection rates for both substances continuing to rise.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Paul O’Brien said: “The ‘GIFT OF A LIFT’ is a novel way of getting across a serious message. I urge all road users to be extra careful at this time of year when roads are at their busiest and can be impacted by bad weather. Wear your seatbelt, watch out for vulnerable road users and never walk on the road when intoxicated.”
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman added, “With the festive party season now underway, those of us who are preparing to celebrate are being asked to think ahead to ensure everyone gets home safely. Don’t let your actions spoil a good night out and bring tragedy to your family this Christmas. I would appeal to all road users not to take risks and to make safer choices when using our roads.”
Garda Inspector Michelle Byrne from the Wicklow Roads Policing Unit stated, “An Garda Síochána have launched our Christmas Road Safety Campaign with a specific emphasis on intoxicated driving. The statistics are staggering, with a driver being arrested every hour on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Ireland. Our Mandatory Intoxicant Testing checkpoints will increase over the Christmas period, testing for both drugs and alcohol. Don’t take a chance over the party season to get behind the wheel while under the influence, be responsible, drive safely and please don’t add to another life lost on the roads this Christmas.”
Linda Healy, Road Safety Officer added, “During the Christmas and New Year celebrations, it can be sometimes difficult to find transport home after a night out. The key message of this initiative is to highlight the importance of planning your journey home during the festive season. We all know someone who struggles to choose a Christmas present, so why not give them the ‘GIFT OF A LIFT’ and ensure they get home safely during the party season.”
The ‘GIFT OF A LIFT’ card can be downloaded for free from the Road Safety section of Wicklow County Council’s website at https://www.wicklow.ie/Portals/0/adam/Documents/WZG6uDm8mEe6ZzBVmJ-1-A/Link/Gift%20a%20Lift%20Christmas%20Card.pdf