Twenty-one independent radio stations in Ireland will broadcast 1,200 episodes of road safety programming over the coming months.
The joint initiative follows an increase in road deaths and serious injuries, with stations producing their own programmes to highlight the consequences of road collisions and practical measures people can take to improve safety.
Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety Seán Canney welcomed the initiative, which brings together stations across Ireland to address an issue affecting communities throughout the country.
Seán said: “The number of lives lost on our roads is simply unacceptable and for every life lost another 10 people suffer often life-changing serious injuries.”
He urged motorists to slow down, avoid using mobile phones while driving, wear seatbelts, never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and watch out for vulnerable road users.
The 21 participating stations are C103, Clare FM, Ireland’s Classic Hits, East Coast FM, Galway Bay FM, Highland Radio, KFM, KCLR96FM, Limerick’s Live 95, LMFM, Midlands 103, Midwest Radio, Northern Sound, Ocean FM, Q102, Radio Nova, Shannonside, South East Radio, Sunshine 106.8, Tipp FM and WLR.
The initiative is supported by the News Reporting Scheme, which helps fund public interest journalism through Coimisiún na Meán.
KCLR 96FM in Carlow and Kilkenny is the lead applicant for the project, with the application coordinated in association with the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland through broadcasting expert Nessa McGann.
Presenters and producers will use research from the Road Safety Authority, alongside statistics and comments from An Garda Síochána, to inform their programmes.
The content will be tailored to individual stations, giving listeners across Ireland opportunities to hear road safety information relevant to their communities.
