Joint campaign aims to reduce deaths on rural roads

NEARLY 80 per cent of all road deaths in Ireland so far this year have occurred on rural roads - spurring a new road safety campaign.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and Macra na Feirme have joined together to encourage better road safety behaviour among young people from rural communities.

The partnership will focus on four key areas, including the dangers of mobile distraction, the importance of wearing seatbelts, Be Safe Be Seen and how to prevent driver fatigue.

Another element will be the education and awareness around farm machinery safety with a special emphasis on knowledge around the towing of trailers and what regulations are in place. The RSA will be offering training to Macra Youth Leaders on how to create a positive environment for educating their own members.

Read the full story in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops and online, www.tuamherald.ie