Irish celebs join forces with 2FM to remind people to 'arrive alive' after over 100 road deaths
Musicians and sports stars take huge step in reminding people to drive safely and arrive alive this summer
RTÉ 2FM has teamed up with the Road Safety Authority (RSA), the Gaelic Players Association, the FAI, the IRFU and a host of Irish musicians to record road safety messages which will be broadcast over the coming weeks.
The campaign is called 2FM Think and Drive.
The Script's Danny O'Donoghue, Irish Rugby international Andrew Porter, Irish Women's Soccer team goalie Courtney Brosnan and a host of GAA intercounty players, including Seán O'Shea of the Kerry Football team and Limerick Hurler Dan Morrissey will be appealing to drivers to travel safely on the roads and arrive alive.
The number of road fatalities so far this year in Ireland stands at 103 and underlines how Irish road safety is continuing to trend in the wrong direction.
2023 was the worst year for road deaths in nearly a decade, with 188 deaths. 2024 is tracking to be worse again.
On July 10 last year, 87 people had died on the roads, and it would be 1 August 2023 before 100 fatalities were recorded. This year's figures indicate road fatalities are trending 17% higher year on year.
Dan Healy, Head of RTÉ Digital Audio and of RTÉ 2fm said: "We're very happy to support this campaign here at 2FM and hope it serves as a gentle reminder to our listeners to slow down, stop for a break if they're tired and stay safe while driving."
Sam Waide, chief executive of the Road Safety Authority, welcomed the partnership with 2FM, saying: "We need to let people know that speeding, drinking and distracted driving are contributing to death and serious injury on our roads.
"Our recent observational study showed one in two drivers exceed 30, 50 and 60km/h speed limits. In a separate study, one in ten drivers admitted driving after drinking alcohol last year, with one in four drivers believe it is acceptable to drive short distances after having a drink."
The short audio messages will be broadcast on 2FM over the coming weeks. Voices featured will include:
Danny O'Donoghue - The Script
Ryan Hennessy and Jimmy Rainsford - Picture This
Lyra
Chubby Cat
Andrew Porter - Irish Rugby Team
Aoife Wafer - Irish Rugby Team
Courtney Brosnan - Irish Women's Soccer Team
Dan Morrissey - Limerick Hurling Team
Dearbhla Magee - Down Camogie Team
Grace Walsh - Kilkenny Camogie Team
Jennifer Dunne - Dublin Senior Ladies Football Team
Paddy Burke - Antrim Hurling Team
Ryan McHugh - Donegal Football Team
Seán O'Shea - Kerry Football Team
Shauna Ennis - Meath Ladies Football