Project EDWARD Day - ‘Every Day without a Road Death Day’

East- Coast Local Authorities, are pleased to collaborate on their latest Road Safety campaign called ‘Project EDWARD Day’

Project EDWARD Day (Every day Without A Road Death) is an annual road safety awareness initiative, designed to highlight the devastating impact of collisions on our roads, and is aimed at having one day a year that is completely free from road fatalities. It advocates for all road users to pause and think about the risks they face, the risks they may pose to others, and how they can reduce these risks. It has grown year on year since inception, backed by governments and emergency services, road safety organisations and Irish businesses.  

As Roads Authorities, the East Coast Local Authorities are asking all Irish road users to support this road safety initiative which promotes evidence led ‘Safe Systems’ approach, the long- term objective of which is to have a road traffic system free from death and serious life changing injuries.

Today we implore road users to:

• Remind family, friends and colleagues to take extra care on the roads
• Drive as safely as you can and follow the rules of the road when you are behind the wheel, or when riding a bike, motorbike or e-scooter
• Watch out for Vulnerable Road Users like pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter users, the elderly, young children and horse riders
• Drive at a safe, legal speed
• Refrain from distracted driving or driving under the influence and always wear your seatbelt, and ensure others wear theirs too

Deputy Mayor of South Dublin Coco Trevor Gilligan states that  Project EDWARD continues to raise the profile of road safety in our area, and in particular the use of the Safe Systems approach to better safer driving.  “It is imperative that road safety remains high on everyone’s mind, especially now as we are approaching the winter months and darker evenings” , says Cllr Gilligan.

Road Safety Officer at South Dublin Coco , Orlaith Maguire, says ‘ It is great that all the East Coast Local Authorities can come together and speak with one voice, to remind people that we all share the road together, and that if everyone collectively makes a conscious decision to take responsibility for their actions every time they get behind the wheel, and adopt safer behaviours  we could certainly make a difference to the alarming fatalities and serious life changing injuries taking place on Irish roads”. 

So today as part of Project Edward Day, we implore you all to slow down, refrain from distracted driving and make this year  ‘A Day without a Road Death’.

Road Safety Engineer at Dún Laoghiare-Rathdown County Council, Gerry Flaherty, says ‘Each year there are about 20,000 road fatalities around Europe. Although fatal collision numbers are reducing, there are still 50 road fatalities each day on European roads. Every death is one too many. All road users are encouraged to think, even for a few minutes, about the risks they face, the risks they may pose to others and how they can reduce those risks’.

County Wicklow Road Safety Officer Linda Healy says “As part of Project EDWARD Day Wicklow County Council is calling on road users to consider how we can play our part in improving road safety for ourselves and others, by working together we can make significant steps towards a safer and more secure road network for everyone”. 

 Zewar Zyada, Road Safety Engineer at Dublin City Council, says, "Project EDWARD is a strong reminder that every road death can be prevented. The East Coast Local Authorities are proud to stand together on this important initiative, because road safety is something that touches every community. Whether walking, cycling, driving, or using public transport, each of us has a role to play in making our roads safer. By taking simple, conscious actions—slowing down, staying focused, and looking out for vulnerable road users—we can all make a real difference. Together, we can help make today, and every day, a day without a road death."

Larry Bergin, Road Safety Officer at Fingal County Council stated ‘’We are proud to collaborate with East Coast Local Authorities in support of Project EDWARD Day. On Wednesday, 17 September, we urge all road users to drive with extra care and attention. An Garda Síochána will be conducting additional traffic checks aimed at promoting safer driving, raising awareness of the serious consequences of dangerous behaviour on our roads and ensuring that everyone arrives home safely. We encourage everyone to take a moment to discuss road safety and share this vital message with family, friends, and colleagues. Together, we can make a difference.”

Road Safety Authority Vision Zero approach strives towards a 50% reduction in road fatalities by 2030 and zero road fatalities by 2050, 

government-_road_safety_strategy_2021_2030_13th_dec21_final.pdf