Mayo road safety plea over busy summer months

TEN people have tragically lost their lives in road accidents in Mayo for the year to date.

With the roads even busier over the summer months, motorists have been urged to exercise more care.

Inspector David Tiernan highlighted the increased number of fatalities at a meeting of the Mayo Joint Policing Committee.

In terms of offence detections in the ocunty, there have been 70 drink driving and 15 drug driving arrests so far this year, with almost 2,000 speeding fines issued and 400 detections for driving while on the phone.

In relation to the new N5, he reminded motorists that this is a dual carriageway not a motorway so the speed limit is 100kph.

There is also no hard shoulder.

Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon urged caution on the roads this summer with schools now closed, increased agricultural traffic on the roads, as well as pedestrians, cyclists and tourists.

“Please drive carefully and be aware of vulnerable road users over the summer months,” he urged motorists.