COMPULSORY HI-VIS VESTS for pedestrians and cyclists would save lives, a Fine Gael senator says.

Tom Sheahan wants to make the wearing of the vests mandatory under the law.

He says that while the RSA has been doing “excellent work” in reducing the numbers of people dying on the roads, more can be done.

He went on to call on cyclists and pedestrians to take care on the roads, despite cyclists accounting for just five of the 190 fatalities on our roads in 2013. Pedestrians accounted for 31.

“I fully appreciate that motorists need to take due care on the roads regarding our pedestrians and cyclists, however so do our pedestrians and cyclists.

We cannot continue to have scenarios were cyclists break red lights at junctions and cycle 3 – 4 abreast on our roads. These fatalities will only be reduced if all road users, including motorists and cyclists adhere to best practices and the rules of the road.

Sheahan added that people need to take personal responsibility and called on people to order hi-vis clothing from the RSA for when they’re on the roads.

He said that there was a time where Irish people resisted wearing seat belts, so could take to the idea.

I believe that if we legislate for the wearing of high visibility vests in darkness for our walkers and cyclists, especially in areas that are not lit by public lighting, then we can change people’s attitudes and ultimately improve the road safety culture, just like we did with the wearing of the seat belt.

What do you think? Should it be made mandatory to wear hi-vis clothing?

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