Roads may be quieter, but the speed limit is the same – that’s the message from road safety office of Mayo County Council and An Garda Siochana.
With reduced traffic during the coronavirus outbreak An Garda Siochana working with Mayo County Council highlight that some drivers have been tempted to drive too fast.
James Malone sergeant in roads policing unit in Castlebar said “You would really think speeding would decrease during this time.
“But unfortunately it seems to be on the increase.”
He said the “absolutely reckless” speeds could cause result in deadly crashes, adding a “massive strain on our emergency services at a time when they are under stress already”.
“We can all take responsibility for our own personal safety as a road user and reduce the potential for being involved in a road crash, this in turn will reduce the pressure on our partners in the ambulance and fire service, but most of all, our colleagues in the HSE who are stretched to the limit and working so hard to save the lives of those with Covid. We know they are under incredible strain at this current time dealing with the rise in Coronavirus.
“But ultimately we want to ensure lives are save and people are not left with injuries which could be life changing where this could well have been quite easily avoided.”
Noel Gibbons road safety officer said: “As well as being against the law, speeding at any time involves unnecessary risks.
“During the coronavirus outbreak, emergency services and the HSE are facing immense pressure – being tempted to speed now risks additional strain on services if there’s an accident.
“We urge all road users to follow Government guidance during the outbreak and stay at home: only travel if absolutely necessary.
“But if you do have to travel, always drive, or ride, within the speed limit and at a speed appropriate to road conditions at the time.”
Each collision will require at least one ambulance and two paramedics and then admission into the accident and emergency department at a hospital and the attention of nurses, doctors and other health care specialists.
Several of those patients will require further in-patient treatment which will add to the work load and pressure of the HSE staff and systems.
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