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Motorsport Ireland and the Royal Irish Automobile Club, the governing bodies of Irish motor racing, are both participating in a global road safety campaign with the FIA (the governing body of world motor sport) and advertising giant JCDecaux. The #3500LIVES campaign is based on the fact that 3,500 people are killed, worldwide, every day in a car crash, and that there are ten 'Golden Rules' which, if followed, would dramatically reduce that number.
Those rules are Obey the speed limit; Use a child safety seat; Check your tyres; Buckle up; Don't text and drive; Never drink and drive; Always pay attention; Stay bright; Wear a helmet; and Stop when you are tired.
Alex Sinclair, CEO of Motorsport Ireland, said: "Last year 187 people lost their lives on Ireland's roads. Every day across the world 3,500 people die in car crashes. That's more than 1.25 million people every year - and it is a figure that's expected to rise to 2 million in the near future if nothing is done to reverse it. Particularly concerning is that amongst 15 to 29-year-olds, traffic related fatalities are the first cause of mortality.
"These statistics are shocking and is important that we continue to get the message of road safety out to as many people as possible. The #3500LIVES campaign is a welcome extension of our schools safety program and, along with the support of FIA and JCDecaux, we have an opportunity to reach more people than ever.
"The campaign will highlight some simple safety measures for all road users to adopt. From mid-June people should see these messages across billboards, street furniture and digital screens in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Limerick, Waterford and Galway. If even one life is saved as a result of this campaign, then it is worth it"
The #3500LIVES campaign is an international initiative supported by famous ambassadors from sport and showbusiness. It also has the backing of the International Olympic Committee, and was endorsed by Pope Francis when he met with FIA President Jean Todt at the Vatican in February.
The 13 famous ambassadors are footballer Antoine Griezmann, tennis legend Rafael Nadal, athletes Yohan Blake, Haile Gebrselassie, Vanessa Low and Wayde van Niekerk, motorsport stars Fernando Alonso, Felipe Massa, Marc Marquez and Nico Rosberg, singer Pharrell Williams, actress Michelle Yeoh, and Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo
FIA President Jean Todt. Said: "I encourage everyone to promote and share the campaign's key messages and sign our manifesto for government action. Too many people lose their life unnecessarily in road crashes daily.
"We are proud to have worked together with JCDecaux on this campaign, and also with 13 fantastic Ambassadors, each of which is a role model, especially for young people, the group worst affected by road crashes."