Mrs doyle signs advising motorists to go on go on take a break

ROAD signs featuring Mrs Doyle from the Fr. Ted TV series are being erected around Mayo as part of a road safety campaign this bank holiday weekend.

The aim of the 'Go on, Go on, take a break' campaign is to remind drivers to freshen up by taking a break and to think about the consequences of driving when tired.

The Road Safety Authority this week said tiredness is a contributory factor in as many as one in five driver deaths on Irish roads every year.

Drivers who feel tired are advised to stop in a safe place, sip a caffeine drink and sleep for 15 to 20 minutes.

Mayo's Road Safety Officer Noel Gibbons said the August bank holiday weekend is by far one of the busiest and deadliest weekends on the roads.

He said: 'This is a way to highlight the fatigue issue. Make no mistake – fatigue is a serious killer.

'This is more important for Ireland now than ever before because we are beginning to have long continuous stretches of motorway.

'Especially at this time of year, when people on holidays tend to drive long distances across the country, the dangers of fatigue are at their worst.

'Take regular breaks when you are driving long distances, share the driving if you can, and never ignore the tell-tale warning signs of fatigue.'

Garda Inspector Joe McKenna at Castlebar said that sleep related collisions tend to be more serious than other road collisions because the driver is unable to react before a crash.

'You don’t fall asleep without a warning. If you are fighting to keep yourself awake, then get off the road,' he said.