Safety

• The law is there for a reason, for your safety. Abide by the law and respect speed limits, always wear a safety belt and don’t ever take alcohol  and/or drugs and drive. Not only will your life be at risk but others will too. Remember you can still be over the legal limit the morning after a binge so give it a few hours before you get behind a wheel.
• Of course, don’t let your friends drink and drive either and if they do, don’t be a passenger. It may not be the cool thing to do, but you should report any drunk driving to the emergency services, it could save someone’s life.
• Don’t text or talk on the phone while driving. You’ve seen the ads, you know what can happen.
• Always be aware of cyclists and pedestrians, especially at night time when they may not be visible.
• Feeling sleepy? Pull in and have a nap and drink coffee, then drive when you feel able to. If you fall asleep at the wheel you may never wake up.
• When parking, avoid isolated or darkened areas. Use somewhere that is well-lit at night

• Always wear a helmet. According to a recent research, helmets provide a 63% to 88% reduction in the risk of head, brain and sever brain injury for all ages of cyclists.
• Always wear luminous clothing such as a hi-vis vest, fluorescent armbands and reflective belts so that other road users can see you.
• Use the many cycle lanes around Cork and Bishopstown. Familiarise yourself and obey the rules of the road and respect other road users.
• Visit the RSA(Road Safety Authority) website for more information.

• Be vigilant. Look into the far, middle and near distance, and behind you, using your mirrors and checking over your shoulders, before changing position or turning.
• Keep your distance. In wet or icy conditions, always leave a bigger gap.
• Be seen. Make sure your position is correct. Use dipped headlights and wear high visibility clothing (such as a neon vest and ‘Sam Browne’ reflective belt).
• Avoid surprising others. Never do anything on the road that could cause another road user to slow down, brake or swerve or that could startle pedestrians.
• Think like other road users. Anticipate how they might react.
• Read the road. Ride to current road, weather and traffic conditions.
• Match your speed to the conditions. Never let others dictate your pace.
• Never ride your bike after consuming alcohol or drugs.
• Maintain your bike properly. Regularly check petrol, oil, water, damage, electrics and tyres.
• Take lessons from an experienced instructor. See every ride as a chance to improve your skills.

• Wear appropriate clothing and a secure helmet every time you get on your bike.
• Jackets and trousers should give you enough protection from impact, abrasion, cold and weather conditions.
• Use body armour on vulnerable areas such as the back, knees, elbows, shoulders, hips and shins. This should be adjustable so it fits snugly and does not move in a crash.
• You should wear a good reflective jacket to make you more visible on the road.
• Wear protective gloves, and footwear that at least comes above the ankle.

Click here for more information about keeping you motorbike safe.

Although you can’t be responsible for the way people drive, you can take a number of steps to make yourself safer as a pedestrian:

• Stop, look and listen.
• Don’t try to cross the road between parked cars.
• If possible, cross at a pedestrian crossing or traffic lights.
• Never cross at a bend.
• If there is a footpath use it.
• If there is no footpath, walk/run/jog on the right hand side of the road, facing oncoming traffic and keeping as close as possible to the side of the road.
• Walk no more than two abreast and if the road is narrow or there is heavy traffic, walk in single file.

• Stand near a group of people in a well lit up area if waiting for a bus or train at night.
• Make sure that the bus or train is going in the direction you want to go in and that you are not left stranded.
• Get a taxi if you have missed the last train or bus.

• Do not carry large amounts of cash or any important documents, around with you unless you need them.
• Know how you are getting home before you go on a night out. A taxi between a few of you together could cost as little as €2 each.
• Always try and walk or travel with other or in a group, remember there is safety in numbers.
• Be mindful and careful that your bag is closed and close to you especially if you have to leave it down at any time.
• Always walk through well-lit areas at night time, never use shortcuts.
• Do not leave any expensive items or belongings (phones, cameras) visible in a bag or pocket.
• Be careful when withdrawing cash from an ATM watch who is around you.
• Trust your instincts. If you do not feel comfortable somewhere or with someone, LEAVE and contact someone you trust straight away.
• Log your phones IMEI number. If your phone is stolen then it can be turned off if thieves try to use it. To find out your number, look behind the battery or dial *#06# into your phone and it will display the IMEI number on your screen.
• Know your emergency contacts.  Gardaí: 99 or 112. Local Garda Station ( Bishopstown 0214541012/ Anglesea Street 021452000).
• Take a look at the following link published by An Garda Síochána  on personal safety.
• Here are a few tips on Personal Safety from USI (Union of Students in Ireland)

• Your apartment/house should be fitted with a working smoke detector already. If not ask your landlord to fit them, and test them regularly to make sure that they are working.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket in the kitchen. Again you can ask your landlord to supply these.
• Make sure all electrical appliances, sockets and leads are in good working order.
• Do not overload sockets.
• Do not use a chip pan, they’re too dangerous.
• Check that the cooker/hob is off and always put out an open fire before you go to bed.
• With an open fire, always use a fireguard and ensure that the room is well ventilated.
• Plug out all appliances (Especially the TV and hair straighteners) before you leave the house or go to bed.
• Smokers – use proper ashtrays and do not smoke in bed.
• Keep heaters away from furniture and curtains and do not move them when they’re turned on. Make sure that there is good ventilation in the rooms where you use them.
• Have an escape plan. Know the best way for you and your housemates to get out if you have to.
• If lighting candles always place them in proper holders. Do not put them near items that can catch fire, never leave them unattended and put out all candles properly before you go to bed.

Take a look at this Fire Safety guide for some fire prevention tips in the home.

Cork has rivers, harbours, beaches, dams and lots of water basically, all of which can be very dangerous if you are not careful.

• Stay away from the water’s edge especially if you have drink or drugs taken. It is very easy to fall in and it can have fatal consequences. Remember that when you drink, you may do things that you wouldn’t ordinarily do, so steer clear so stay clear of any potential hazards and don’t wander off alone.
• Learn to swim it could save your life and others .It’s a really enjoyable form of exercise and makes your environment safer. Never swim while intoxicated, within an hour of eating or if you feel tired or weak. Leisureworld provides special deals for students for swimming lessons. Check it out here
• You should only go swimming within view of a lifeguard on duty or with someone who has trained in lifesaving.
• Don’t swim anywhere where there is a strong current. Don’t swim and chew gum.
• If you are out on a boat, make sure you have life jackets and adequate safety gear. A mobile phone isn’t enough as it won’t work if it gets wet and it can go out of range of network. If you encounter a person in trouble in the water, call emergency services on 99/112. Do NOT go in after him/her unless you are trained to do so.
• Throw a ring buoy to the person if there is one there or if you have a jumper or a length of rope that could reach him/her use it to pull the person in. Only do this if it does not put your at risk of falling in.

For more information, check out www.iws.ie