#ProjectEDWARD: Death toll on Kilkenny roads rises

By COLIN BARTLEY

FIVE deaths have been recorded on Kilkenny roads so far this year, up from two deaths in the whole of 2018.

An Garda Síochána is calling on all Kilkenny road users to drive safely today, this year’s European Day Without A Road Death (#ProjectEDWARD).

This is the fourth year for #ProjectEDWARD, an extensive campaign to draw attention to some road safety basics, asking motorists to play their part in reducing the risks they face and the risks they pose to others.

#ProjectEDWARD is an initiative of TISPOL, the European Roads Policing Network, and it has some simple driving tips for motorists to try and make our roads safer for all users.

• Be aware of others using the road.
  •             Slow down.
  •             Don’t drive if you have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
  •             Don’t use your phone while driving.
  •             Be particularly mindful of pedestrians, pedal cyclists, motorcyclists and other more vulnerable road users.

Assistant Commissioner David Sheahan, head of Ireland’s Roads Policing said: “Last year was the safest ever on Irish roads, but this year we are seeing an increase in road deaths, so the timing of this Pan-European safety initiative is most welcome to focus all our minds on how to make our roads safer.”