Safety warning as 2015 Cookstown 100 roars into action

Police and event organisers are urging motorists, especially motorcyclists, to drive with caution and not to put their lives at risk with irresponsible driving.

Inspector Danial Walsh said: “One death on our roads is one too many. Each death or serious injury has a devastating effect on the families and friends of those involved. The sad reality is that each of these deaths is preventable and that’s why we are targeting law-breaking drivers and motorcyclists.

“Our message to motorists is clear - If you speed, take drink or drugs and drive, fail to wear your seatbelt, drive or ride carelessly or dangerously, you run the real risk of killing or seriously injuring yourself, your passengers or some other innocent road user.

“Motorcyclists have a huge role to play when it comes to road safety. Use dipped headlights, day and night, and consider sounding your horn to alert others to your presence as necessary. Ride responsibly and don’t take foolish chances. You only get one life; make sure it doesn’t come to an untimely end – BIKESAFE.”

Race organiser Kenny Loughran said, “I would urge motorists and especially motorcyclists to exercise more caution. Too many motorists are still being killed on our roads and I would like to support the PSNI’s call for safer driving in order to prevent any more tragedies on our roads.”

Anyone who would like further advice on road safety, road craft, defensive driving, should contact their local Road Policing Unit on 101.