Gardaí and RSA Launch October Bank Holiday Safety Appeal

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority have issued an urgent appeal to all road users ahead of the October Bank Holiday weekend, with particular emphasis on pedestrian safety as the clocks go back this Sunday.

The appeal comes as 138 people have already lost their lives on Irish roads this year, including 29 pedestrians. With shorter daylight hours and the clocks going back one hour on Sunday, authorities are warning that vulnerable road users face heightened risks during the darker evenings ahead.

A dedicated Garda enforcement operation began at 7am yesterday morning and will continue until 7am on Tuesday, 28th October. Every member on duty will conduct road traffic enforcement activity, focusing on detecting speeding, impaired driving, mobile phone use and non-wearing of seat belts.

The timing of the appeal is particularly significant for Cork road users. Bank holiday weekends consistently rank among the busiest periods on Irish roads and historically show the highest risk of fatal or serious collisions.

Authorities are emphasising the "Be Safe, Be Seen" message. Drivers are encouraged to use dipped headlights during the day, particularly if their vehicles lack daytime running lights. Pedestrians and cyclists should wear high-visibility clothing, especially as statistics show a marked rise in pedestrian injuries between October and December each year.

Data recorded between 2020 and 2024 reveals concerning trends. A total of 1,462 pedestrians suffered serious injuries in road traffic collisions during this period, with more than one third occurring in the final three months of the year. The data shows a 64 per cent increase in serious pedestrian injuries between 2021 and 2022.

Four in ten of all serious pedestrian injuries took place in Dublin. Hospital admissions for pedestrians involved 1,384 individuals, with 418 sustaining clinically serious injuries requiring an average 11-day hospital stay. Two thirds of those hospitalised were male, and one third were aged 65 or older.

Minister of State for Road Safety Seán Canney TD said:

"As the clocks go back and winter approaches, I urge all road users to make safety the focus of their journeys. No matter how we travel, we need to protect ourselves and each other. Light up your vehicle; wear high visibility clothing; adjust your speed for the road and weather conditions; and never drive distracted or intoxicated."

Assistant Commissioner for Roads Policing and Community Engagement Catharina Gunne said:

"An Garda Síochána is appealing to all road users to take extra care this long Halloween weekend. Bank Holidays are particularly busy times on our roads. Road users need to be particularly mindful at this time of year because road conditions are wetter and this weekend, clocks go back, so the evenings are darker and longer. Therefore, there is a greater risk for our vulnerable road users; pedestrians and cyclists. Please Be Safe, Be Seen."

Michael Rowland, Director of Research, Standards and Assurance at the Road Safety Authority said:

"As the evenings grow darker earlier, pedestrians are at greater risk on our roads. Our analysis shows a clear increase in pedestrian injuries in the final three months of the year. We're urging everyone, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike, to take extra care. Simple actions like wearing high-visibility clothing, using lights, and slowing down can save lives."

The appeal serves as a timely reminder for Cork motorists navigating busy routes like the N40 and M8 this weekend, where increased traffic volumes and reduced visibility will require extra caution from all road users.