Road Safety Week highlights dangerous driving conditions in rural areas

Road Safety Week highlights dangerous driving conditions in rural areas - McNicholl

East Derry Candidate Doctor Sean McNicholl stated:

“As Road Safety Week gets underway all road users are reminded of the hazards we face when travelling on our rural roads. A total of 46 people have lost their lives on the road this year. This compares to 51 at the same time last year and 57 for 2017.
“The Department for Infrastructure is collaborating with road safety partners in the emergency services and the Young Farmers’ Clubs to urge everyone to be aware of the particular vulnerabilities we all face when we travel.

“Whether we are walking, cycling or driving, we need to be mindful that our country roads, while beautiful, do present hidden dangers. Rural roads may seem safe due to their lower traffic flow, but they are deadlier than we think. Higher speeds, hidden dips, twisty and damaged roads reduce the distance that drivers can see ahead giving less time to react and resulting in more severe impacts.

“At this time of year with trees shedding their leaves combined with heavy rain, skid risks will increase and drivers should factor that in to their driving behaviours to suit the conditions. We should all make sure that, particularly in the run up to Christmas, that nothing we do will leave a family mourning the loss of, or serious injury to, a loved one.

Road Safety Week is an extremely important campaign for highlighting the dangers for both drivers and those walking on roads. Many rural communities have been left devastated by the loss of lives as a result of serious collisions.

“As a medical professional I know only too well the horrendous outcomes caused by road collisions, making this initiative extremely important as it raises awareness of the potential lethal outcome that a momentary loss of concentration can cause.”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.