The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is calling on people nationwide to nominate ‘Leading Lights’ in road safety as part of the 2010 ‘Leading Lights in Road Safety’ Awards. The awards recognise the extraordinary contribution of people across Ireland to make road use safer for everyone. The call for entries opens this today Monday 23rd August and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Dublin Castle on Wednesday 13th October.

Now in its third year, the awards honour the outstanding efforts of people from local community groups, media, schools and businesses nationwide to improve safety on Irish roads. This year, the categories have been extended to include Road Safety Officer of the Year, Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) of the Year, Road Safety Ambassador of the Year and Young Road Safety Ambassador of the Year, Public Sector (Fire Services, Gardaí, Paramedics, Local Authorities) and Business (SMEs and large employers). This year, there will also be an Open Award category where people can nominate any individual or group who has made a contribution to road safety.

Speaking about the ‘Leading Lights in Road Safety’ Awards, Mr Gay Byrne, Chairman, Road Safety Authority said: “The ‘Leading Lights’ Awards allow us to recognise and honour the extraordinary work being done by ordinary people throughout the country to help keep all of us safe on the roads. And there are many people out there, unknown to you or I, who have worked tirelessly to promote road safety and protect their family, friends, colleagues and community from the carnage on our roads.”

“If you know of an individual, group or organisation who has addressed a road safety need in their community, school or workplace, honour their work and their commitment to our safety by nominating them for a ‘Leading Light’,” he added.

In addition to the category awards, one winner will be chosen to receive a Supreme Award. This will be presented to an individual or group for the most innovative and outstanding road safety initiative, leadership and exemplary dedication to the area of road safety.

People can nominate a ‘Leading Light’ from Monday 23rd August. The closing date for submitting a nomination for a ‘Leading Light in Road Safety’ is Friday 24th September. The entries will be judged by a panel of experts who will be announced by the Road Safety Authority shortly. The shortlisted entries will be announced on Monday 4th October. Further information on the categories and how to nominate a ‘Leading Light’ is available at www.rsa.ie/leadinglights

For further information: RSA Communications Office: 096 25008

Communications Department, Road Safety Authority, Moy Valley Business Park, Primrose Hill, Dublin Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo, 096 25008