A campaign to promote road safety awareness was launched at IT Sligo today in association with the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) distributed 1,000 free high visibility vests and 1,000 armbands amongst staff and students at IT Sligo as part of ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ campaign. The safety drive is part of the RSA’s continued commitment to educating vulnerable road users on how to stay safe on the roads.
The campaign is being organised by the School of Business and Humanities and the IT Sligo Students Union.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign, the Head of School of Business and Humanities, Terry Young, said; “Our responsibility to our staff and student extend beyond the lecture theatres and the campus perimeters, and this campaign is about raising awareness and encouraging everyone in the IT Sligo community to stay safe on the roads. Many of our staff and students walk or cycle to college and visibility is so important, especially during these long winter nights.”
Student Union Vice President and Welfare Officer George Leetch said; “The Student Union will be continuing with this road safety awareness campaign until the end of January. 40 pedestrians and 7 cyclists were killed on the roads in Ireland last year and we are encouraging all students to wear a high visibility vest or armband when they’re walking or cycling in the dark, because staying visible is the best way to protect yourself on the road.”
Mr. Noel Brett, Chief Executive, RSA, stated; “We are committed to educating students about road safety through ‘SAFEGRADS’- road safety education guidelines for third level colleges. This year we are giving 1,000 armbands and 1,000 high visibility vests to IT Sligo. These will be distributed on campus to ensure pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users are safe on the roads. As the evenings get darker, we can’t stress how important it is to Be Safe and Be Seen on the road.”
Students and staff at IT Sligo don high visibility vests at the launch of Road Safety Awareness Campaign at the Institute.
Pictured at the launch of the Road Safety Awareness Campaign at IT Sligo are, clockwise from front left: Yvonne Roche, Health and Safety Officer; Joe Cox, Head of Strategy and Policy; Clodagh Crowe, Lecturer in Business and Humanities; Terry Young, Head of School of Business and Humanities; George Leech, Student Union Vice President and Welfare Officer; Community Garda, Mark Sweeney; Marian Hargadon, Student Supports Services Officer; and Suzanne Gilmore, Community Garda.