Safety initiative welcomed

Councillor Mackle described the ‘Just Because’ initiative as ‘very relevant’. It aims to increase awareness of the dangers road vehicles present to pedestrians.

The Councillor noted that, research shows that 72% of pedestrian deaths on the road were due to pedestrian error with drivers responsible for 22%. He said,

“Last year alone 13 pedestrians were killed in road accidents and that’s one in five of the total road deaths during the year.

“This is a very relevant issue, particularly in rural areas, as was only too well demonstrated by the recent tragic death of a young man within my own electoral district.

“The DOE ‘Just Because’ campaign will help to make both pedestrians and drivers aware of the safety issues involved and of the very real dangers that those walking along our roads face,” said Councillor Mackle.