10 March 2010
Major Sporting Organisations Join Forces For Road Safety
Sports stars from past, present and future lined out today, Wednesday 10th March, to launch ‘Play it Safe’, a set of road safety guidelines for sporting organisations, which have been developed by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the FAI, GAA, IRFU and Cycling Ireland.
The heads of all the sporting organisations attended the launch to show their support for the guidelines which provide sporting organisations with information on how to be road safety aware when organising or travelling to and from sporting events. Speaking at the launch of ‘Play it Safe’, Minister for Transport, Mr Noel Dempsey T.D., said:
“I am delighted to launch the Road Safety Authority’s new initiative ‘Play it Safe’ which will help sporting organisations across the country to implement good road safety practices among its members and staff when organising sporting events. Every one of us has a responsibility to promote safe behaviour on our roads, not just as individuals but collectively as a team. These guidelines will put in place the foundations of responsible road-use and we would ask every sporting organisation in the country to make sure you are road safety aware.”
‘Play it Safe’ will provide tools to every member of sporting clubs to play a significant role in implementing road safety guidelines, ultimately helping to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads. The guidelines present information on organising sporting events with road safety in mind, encouraging the use of high visibility material, safe driving practices and other important road safety information. It also provides a list of key contacts, including local Road Safety Officers and Gardaí, to ensure adequate pre-planning takes place in advance of a sporting event.
Mr Noel Brett, CEO, RSA said: “With thousands of clubs across Ireland travelling to and from games every weekend, it is vital that they have in place a set of road safety guidelines to ensure that every journey is a safe one. This is particularly important when young people are involved. Through ‘Play it Safe’, we are providing clubs with the tools to implement good road safety behaviour, at every level and for every member of the club.”
Mr John Delaney, CEO of the FAI welcomed the initiative: “I am delighted to support this initiative on behalf of the thousands of football organisations across Ireland who will now have the tools to make sure that they are road safety aware. It is of the utmost importance to us that sport is not only enjoyable, but also safe for everyone involved.”
Mr Criostóir O Cuana, President of the GAA, said: “The GAA is proud to support ‘Play it Safe’ and welcomes a set of guidelines to use in each GAA club across Ireland. With over 2,500 GAA clubs across Ireland, it is important that each and every member of the club is road safety aware.”
Mr Rory Wyley, Honorary President of Cycling Ireland said: “Cyclists may represent a smaller number of road-users but they are more vulnerable. I am delighted that the RSA has developed these guidelines, providing practical advice for cyclists to follow when using the roads.”
Mr John Callaghan, IRFU President said: “With so many young people involved in sport every day, it is vitally important that we ensure their safety at all times, both on and off the rugby pitch. The IRFU is delighted to support the RSA’s initiative and urges every rugby club to adopt these guidelines.”
‘Play it Safe’ will be distributed to sporting organisations nationwide and is available on the RSA website at www.rsa.ie