Kildare County Council is leading a road safety campaign launched this afternoon aimed at those driving to the Oxegen music festival this weekend.
'Stamp out Drink & Drug driving' and ‘Have a Break’ is also being supported by the Kildare Joint Policing Committee and the Regional Drugs Task Force. Other Local Authorities in the region, the Gardaí, the Road Safety Authority and concert promoters MCD are also involved.
Festival goers are invited to become ambassadors for the campaign by posing with the Oxegen crowd on a cardboard cut-out which features the 'STAMP OUT Drink & Drug driving' slogan. Photographs are then posted on the Kildare Road Safety Facebook page and participants are given the opportunity to take part in a competition.
Kildare's road safety officer Declan Keogh says every effort is being made to raise awareness of the effects of driving while under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. "Let's face it," he says, "if a person drives while off their head, it could be the last trip they ever have!"
Concert promoters MCD are advising that where possible people should use public transport or avail of the Park & Ride facilities at Goffs.
The Driver Fatigue element will target drivers as they make their way home. At Applegreen and Texaco Motorway service stations in counties Kildare, Dublin, Louth and Meath, Oxegen motorists will receive a free Kit Kat bar when they buy a cup of tea or coffee.
Declan Keogh is urging drivers to plan ahead, expect long delays and follow the direction signs and instructions from An Gardai and the stewards.
Pictured at this afternoon's launch of the campaign are Declan Keogh, Mayor of Kildare Cllr Micheal Nolan, Sgt Michael Keevans of the Garda Traffic Corps, Naas, and Cllr Paddy Kennedy.
AUDIOS (QuickTime):
Declan Keogh talks about the campaign.
Cllr Paddy Kennedy talks about drugs.
Sgt Michael Keevans talks about driver fatigue.
