'Amber Thursday' appeal to stay safe over August weekend

Meath County Council is appealing to people to stay safe over the August Bank Holiday weekend as it marks ‘Amber Thursday’ for 2024.

The campaign is a collaboration between safety bodies and local authorities to help promote road, water and fire safety over the busy bank holiday weekend.

After another tragic weekend on the roads and with people taking to the water, having barbeques or campfires etc, ‘Amber Thursday’ is an inter-agency joint initiative to raise awareness of the risks and dangers on the road, in water or with fire. This year, there is a heavy focus on road safety.

Meath County Council’s Road Safety Officer Audrey Norris said: “Last weekend saw multiple tragedies on our roads resulting in families lives changing forever. We want to reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries from Road Traffic Accidents with a Zero Vision for County Meath. In collaboration with all Road Safety Officers around the Country, I encourage you to slow down, pay attention to speed limits, wear your seat belt, and don't get distracted by passengers or your mobile phone. Every motorist taking to the road is at risk, but this busy Bank Holiday weekend, do what you can to eliminate those risks, and more people will be safe on our roads.”

Peter Gilsenan, Road Policing Inspector, Meath and Westmeath Division, said: “The August bank holiday weekend historically is one of the busiest weekends of the year. All members of An Garda Siochana attached to the Meath Division are committed to working together to ensure the safety of the public we serve”.

Water rescuers are also expected to have a busy weekend as people take to water activities. Last year, the Irish Coast Guard coordinated responses to 2,788 incidents, which was the second highest number in 5 years, and August was their busiest month with a total of 391 incidents. Lifeguards are on duty in designated areas. Swimmers are reminded to swim within their depth, not to use inflatable toys on open water and always swim at a lifeguarded beach. Swimming inland in lakes and rivers is also proven to be particularly high risk in terms of water safety.

The bank holiday weekend can also be a busy time for firefighters who are called to various incidents including barbeque or domestic fires and road traffic collisions. To avoid injuries, or damage to property, never BBQ on a balcony and ensure the barbecue is on a flat site, well away from the house/apartment, trees or shrubs. Never leave the barbecue unattended and keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.

People are being particularly reminded to not light fires in or near forests, recreational areas or other amenities and motorists are asked to park responsibly and not to block emergency access routes.