Keep the Race in its Place

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and Motorsport Ireland, in association with Killarney & District Motor Club Rally of the Lakes who are organisers of the Killarney & District Motor Club Cartell.ie International Rally of the Lakes which is being staged on Saturday and Sunday May 4th and 5th, have issued a joint safety message to fans attending the sporting event to "Keep the Race in its Place".

The RSA and Motorsport Ireland are running a safety campaign around the event to convey life-saving road safety messages to the public and to the high-risk target audiences viewing the event. At the event, the RSA will be opening up the 'Roll-Over Simulator' to the public. The RSA Roll-Over Car highlights the importance of wearing a seatbelt as people experience the car turning 360degrees.

"The Rally enthusiasts are predominantly young men, and we want to talk directly to this 'at risk' group who follow the sport. Just like any other sport, there is a time and a place for Rally driving. These events are heavily marshalled and take place in a highly disciplined and controlled environment. The drivers are specially trained and must wear special personal protective gear. Along with this, the cars are specially prepared for the purpose of rallying. Trying this without all of these precautions would be extremely unsafe." explained Noel Brett, Chief Executive, RSA. "That is why we want to remind everyone attending the Killarney and District Motor Club Rally of the Lakes to drive safely - and "Keep The Race In Its Place".

"We're expecting thousands of fans to attend the Killarney and District Motor Club Rally of the Lakes," explained Alex Sinclair, Chief Executive, Motorsport Ireland. "And by teaming up with the RSA we want to emphasise the importance of safety, both on the rally course and on the open road. And anyone attending the rally will be getting the message that 'safety wins' loud and clear."

The "Keep the Race in its Place" campaign reminds people to only watch the Special Stages from safety zones, never to enter prohibited areas, and between stages and afterwards, to follow the rally drivers' lead by staying within the speed limits, by staying belted-in, and by never ever drinking and driving.

Setting this good example is well known rally driver Aaron McHale, Board Member of the RSA. Aaron is a successful rally driver and son of rallying legend Austin McHale. He is helping to get across these important safety messages to the public as part of an advertising campaign.

"As a rally driver I am acutely aware of the need for safety," explained Aaron McHale, "It is the top priority for all rally drivers and it should be the top priority for all road users. You simply cannot drive on open roads the same way that professional Rally drivers do on closed roads with a co-driver warning you of upcoming obstacles and hazards. Ordinary drivers just don't drive under the same strict health and safety requirements and when driving on public roads must obey the rules of the road."

Fans travelling to and from the Killarney and District Motor Club Rally of the Lakes this May bank holiday weekend are urged to heed the message from the rally drivers - to 'Keep the Race in its Place', slow down, don't drink and drive and always wear a seatbelt.