AN upcoming road safety awareness campaign by the Road Safety Authority will also include information on how to safely pass horse riders on the country’s public roads.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton TD (FG) told the Dail recently that there will be an upcoming road safety awareness campaign aimed at protecting pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The Galway West TD was replying to a question tabled by Clare TD Cathal Crowe (FF) on the need for a national road safety pedestrian campaign, similar to the ‘Staying Alive’ cycling campaign.

Minister Naughton said: “The Road Safety Authority has responsibility for the promotion of road safety awareness, advertising, and the dissemination of road safety information.

“On the specific suggestion of running a national campaign similar to Staying Alive but for pedestrians, the Government’s Road Safety Strategy requires the RSA to implement specific educational measures aimed at protecting vulnerable road users in particular drivers’ obligations to drive in anticipation of vulnerable road users on the road.

“The RSA has confirmed to me that they are intending to include messaging on safe passing of pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders in upcoming media announcements and launches for vulnerable road users.”