Gardaí Launch Urgent Campaign to Boost Road Safety Visibility

UPDATE: Gardaí have just launched a critical nationwide road-safety campaign aimed at improving visibility for vulnerable road users across Ireland. Starting today, November 26, 2025, all national and divisional Garda social media channels are undergoing a dramatic neon yellow transformation to draw immediate attention to road safety issues.

This 48-hour digital takeover includes striking changes to profile photos, cover images, and social banners, creating a visual impact designed to prompt the public to ask, “Why is everything Garda-related suddenly high-vis?” The answer is urgent: road safety remains one of Ireland’s most pressing challenges.

As of yesterday, November 25, 2025, tragic statistics reveal that 37 pedestrians and 2 e-scooter users have lost their lives on Irish roads this year. Alarmingly, the elderly are particularly vulnerable, with seven fatalities in the over-81 age group. Most fatal incidents have occurred during the weekend afternoons and evenings, underscoring a critical period for road safety vigilance.

Motorcyclists are not safe either, with 29 motorcyclists and their passengers killed this year, predominantly affecting men aged 51-55. Nearly half of these deaths happened on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Cyclists are also facing heightened danger, with 14 pedal cyclists losing their lives this year, especially among young individuals under 20 and older adults aged 70 and above. Many of these tragic collisions occurred between 12 PM and 3 PM.

In response, Gardaí are urging motorists to ensure all vehicle lights are functioning and to use dipped headlights during the day, especially in low visibility conditions. Clean windscreens and operational wipers are also essential for safe driving. Drivers are reminded to give extra space when overtaking vulnerable road users, particularly on rural roads where uneven surfaces can force them further into the carriageway.

Assistant Commissioner of Roads Policing and Community Engagement, Catharina Gunne, emphasizes the human impact of these statistics. “Every life lost on our roads is one too many. The people behind these statistics are parents, grandparents, children, friends, and neighbors,” she stated. “We are asking the public to join us in a simple but powerful act: be seen. Visibility saves lives.”

The campaign, titled “Can You See Me Now?”, aims to highlight the often-underestimated dangers of poor visibility, particularly during the dark winter months. Throughout tomorrow, November 27, 2025, An Garda Síochana will share vital safety guidance across social media channels, forming a “high-visibility strip” for all road users.

Additionally, divisional Roads Policing Units will conduct high-visibility patrols, providing jackets at schools and community events to engage directly with vulnerable road users and promote safer practices.

As this developing situation unfolds, Gardaí urge all road users to stay vigilant and prioritize visibility to help reduce casualties on our roads. This campaign is a crucial reminder that small actions can lead to significant changes and potentially save lives. Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent initiative progresses.