With the build up to Christmas now underway, many people are preparing for work parties or meeting up with friends to celebrate the festive season. But we all know that it can be difficult at times to get transport home at the end of a night out.
To raise awareness of the importance of planning your journey home, Louth County Council’s Road Safety Officer together with Louth Fire and Rescue Service, An Garda Siochana and the National Ambulance Service have launched their ‘Gift of a Lift‘ road safety Christmas campaign.
Adrian O’Sullivan, Road Safety Officer with Louth County Council explained:
“The “Gift of a Lift’ Christmas card is a novel way of getting across a serious message at a time of year when road users need to be extra careful, as roads are at their busiest and conditions can be dangerous. The idea is that you ‘gift’ a family member or friend a lift home or organise a taxi for them over the festive season, ensuring they arrive home safely.”
Sergeant Declan Higgins from Louth Roads Policing Unit welcomed the initiative and had the following advice for road users:
“We must all work together keep each other safe on our roads. As of 9th December 2024, there have been 167 fatalities countrywide, that’s 167 empty seats at the table this Christmas, which is far too high. Four of these fatalities occurred in Co Louth. In addition, there have been many serious collisions, most of which didn’t even make the news headlines, but which have left people with life changing injuries,
An Garda Siochana have commenced our Christmas enforcement campaign with targeted mandatory intoxicant testing checkpoints. A zero-tolerance policy will be applied to any breaches of road safety. We wish everyone to have a happy, safe Christmas and our message remains clear – slow down and never, ever drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.” added Sergeant Higgins.
Also present at the launch to support the ‘Gift of a Lift‘ initiative were members of the National Ambulance Service and Louth Fire & Rescue Service. The effects of attending the scene of road traffic collisions can be profound on members of the emergency services as well as families, friends and local communities.
Joe Lumsden, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer with Louth Fire & Rescue Service and Tom Horwell Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, made a joint appeal as part of the ‘Gift of a Lift’ campaign.
“We are urging all road users to act responsibly and to not drink or drug drive when using the roads throughout Christmas, New Year or any time. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can have catastrophic consequences with members of the Gardaí, Fire and Ambulance services and Local Authority staff all having to deal with the horrific aftermaths of such collisions.
“We would appeal to all road users not to take risks and to make safer choices. Wear your seatbelt, watch out for vulnerable road users and never walk on the road when intoxicated. Don’t let your actions spoil a good night out and bring tragedy to your family this Christmas.”
The Gift of a Lift card is available from any County Louth library branch (subject to availability) and can be downloaded from the Road Safety section of www.louthcoco.ie .
