The appeal has been made by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and Motorsport Ireland, with the Co Monaghan Motor Club organisers of the rally. Its part of a safety campaign around the event to convey life-saving road safety messages to the public and to the high-risk target audiences viewing the event.
The campaign reminds people to only watch the Special Stages from safety zones, never to enter prohibited areas; and between stages and afterwards, to follow the rally drivers' lead by staying within the speed limits, by staying belted-in, and by never, ever drinking and driving.
Fans travelling to and from the Monaghan Stages Rally on 14 April are urged to heed the message.
Setting this good example is well known rally driver Aaron McHale, Board Member of the RSA. Aaron is the son of rallying legend Austin McHale.
The rally enthusiasts are mostly young men and this message is aimed at this 'at risk' group who follow the sport. The RSA say 'just like any other sport, there is a time and a place for rally driving'. These events are heavily marshalled and take place in a highly disciplined and controlled environment. The drivers are specially trained and must wear special personal protective gear. Also, the cars are specially prepared for the purpose of rallying.
"Trying this out without all these precautions would be extremely unsafe," explained Noel Brett of the RSA. "That is why we want to remind everyone attending the Monaghan Stages Rally to drive safely."
