Calls to make hi-vis clothing mandatory for pedestrians and cyclists

A Sligo county councillor has said hi-visibility clothing must become compulsory for those walking or cycling on public roads.

Cllr Dara Mulvey called on Sligo County Council to send a letter to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Department of Transport calling on them to start processes to make wearing hi-vis items of clothing mandatory for walkers and cyclists.

“During the autumn and winter months, this issue is becoming more apparent with people walking late at night and early in the morning. Unfortunately, some people are going out and refuse to wear hi-vis clothing or even a flashlight,” he said.

Citing statistics of 164 pedestrians who died and a further 1,436 seriously injured from 2019 to 2023, Cllr Mulvey said this could be mitigated or prevented by adopting greater safety measures.

“If you enter or work on a building site or drive a delivery truck, it is mandatory that hi-vis clothing be worn. Mandatory hi-vis vests and lights would save a life or prevent serious injury on our roads,” he said.

“A driver has to live with it for the rest of their days if they hit a pedestrian or seriously injure them”, said Cllr Mulvey.