Emergency Services

Road Safety Campaign Fronted by Emergency Services launched in response to rise in road deaths in December 2020

Following an increase in fatalities on Irish roads in 2020,  the campaign aims to encourage road users to be extra cautious when using the road. Analysis by the RSA of An Garda Síochána Investigation Files for fatal collisions, showed that 18 people lost their lives during this period over the last five years. On the 18 December 2020 there had been 143 fatalities on Irish roads, this was 12 more deaths compared to 2019.

These are needless and preventable deaths. In response we commissioned a campaign that is fronted by those who work on the front line of road safety to appeal to the public to take greater care when using the roads.

Our campaign is a direct appeal from the emergency services who have experienced first-hand the tragic consequences of collisions on our roads. By observing safe behaviour, together we can save lives on our roads.

We hear from Firefighter Andrew McGowan,  Firefighter Teresa Hudson and Garda Adrian Corcoran who share some key messages on road safety and some of their own experiences.

Firefighter Teresa Hudson lost her uncle and 3 cousins to a road traffic collision and she knows in a spilt second how families can be wiped out.  Teresa's message is we are all road users and please take care off each other on our roads

Garda Adrian Corcoran adds that one lapse in concentration can have serious consequences on the road. He has been to many fatal collisions and it brings it all home. Adrian has a young family. His message is slow down, don't be using your mobile phone and always wear your seatbelt.

Firefighter Andrew McGowan has a young son and he arrived at a fatal collision to find a young child like his own was wearing the same pyjamas his own son was wearing that evening before he left the house. He says how you don’t want to be meeting him in the fire truck. You want to get home safely.

Emergency services campaign

The RSA, An Garda Síochána and Dublin Fire Brigade emergency services-led campaign, includes a series new road safety adverts are airing on national and local radio and supported by digital and social media activity. We are renewing our calls to the public to stay safe on the roads in 2021. This is especially important in the run up to the Christmas and new year period. When planning a night out to make sure you plan how you’re getting home.