18 May 2011
RSA Asking For All Motorsport Enthusiasts to “Keep the Race in its Place” at the Topaz International Donegal Rally
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is today, Wednesday 18th May, 2011, asking for all those attending the Topaz Donegal International Rally from the 17th to 19th June, 2011, to ‘Keep the Race in its Place’. As with all sports, with rally driving there is a danger rally driving will be replicated on public roads where the same safety measures are not in place.
The rally drivers at the Topaz Donegal International Rally are experts in their field, therefore the RSA asks that you ‘Keep the Race in its Place’. When you get back into your own car, and don’t try what you have seen at the Topaz Donegal International Rally.
“We are getting involved because we want to talk directly to the predominantly young men who follow the sport,” explained Noel Brett, Chief Executive, RSA. “Rally cars are made to withstand impact that ordinary cars cannot. No matter how invincible you think you are, you cannot repeat what can be seen at a rally without serious risk to yourself, and other road users. We want to remind people of the need to drive safely – hence our “Keep the Race in its Place” message.”
Setting this example is well known rally driver Aaron McHale, Board Member of the RSA, successful rally driver and son of rallying legend Austin McHale.
“As a rally driver I am acutely aware of the need for safety,” explained Aaron McHale, “It is the top priority for all rally drivers and it should be the top priority for all road users. You simply cannot drive on open roads the same way that professional Rally drivers do on closed roads with a co-driver warning you of upcoming obstacles and hazards. Ordinary drivers just don’t drive under the same strict health and safety requirements and when driving on public roads must obey the rules of the road.”
The “Keep the Race in its Place” 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.
“We’re expecting thousands of fans to attend the Topaz Donegal International Rally,” explained Alex Sinclair, Chief Executive, Motorsport Ireland. “And by teaming up with the RSA we want to emphasise the importance of safety, both on the rally course and on the open road. And anyone attending the rally will be getting the message that ‘safety wins’ loud and clear.”
Toni Kelly, professional rally driver, and native of Co. Donegal had this message for motorsport enthusiasts: "As a spectator, watching a rally take place right in front if your eyes is an exhilarating and exciting experience but many often forget that it is a sport that incurs a lot of background safety checks and strict regulations for those involved. It is not something that just anyone with a car can attempt to replicate. What I would say to any rallying enthusiasts is to look to a professional school or track to fulfill that ambition and not risk the lives and safety of others by taking to public roads with what can be potentially fatal consequences."
Fans travelling to and from the Topaz Donegal International Rally over the weekend of 17th to 19th June are urged to heed the message from the rally drivers - to ‘Keep the Race in its Place’, slow down, don’t drink and drive and always wear a seatbelt.
Donegal County Council’s Road Safety Officer, Eamonn Brown welcomed the event by saying, “We are looking forwarded to welcoming thousands of people to Donegal for the rally weekend. To make it enjoyable for everyone, it’s important we all think road safety by obeying the rules of the road and following the instruction of the race marshals as they play a vital role in keeping everyone safe.”
ENDS
For further information please contact.
RSA Communications Office - 096 25008