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23 Oct 2025
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23 Oct 2025
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Safety will take centre stage at this year's Electric Picnic, with the Road Safety Authority and Electric Picnic organisers teaming up to encourage safe driving.
The RSA will be at four locations across the Electric Picnic car parks with Flinebox interactive breathalysers over the weekend, for any drivers who wish to test their limit. If over the limit, the Flinebox will offer an estimated waiting time until drivers are safe to get behind the wheel.
The locations will be open to the public at the following times:
This year, the RSA’s presence at the event will include a ‘Lose Your Licence, Lose Your Independence’ video launched on the main stage screens. The partnership is part of a new strategy for the RSA to reach a youth audience to support them on their road safety journey, particularly with the rise in youth road fatalities in 2024.
This new RSA campaign explores how the loss of freedom and independence makes you more reliant on family, friends and colleagues to take you where you need to go.
The campaign aims to show young male drivers what it is like to become a burden to others when you lose your licence, and to encourage safe and responsible behaviours on the road.
It highlights the message of an automatic disqualification if caught driving under the influence of drink or drugs and at Electric Picnic the video encourages everyone to get home safely.
The Lose Your Licence, Lose Your Independence campaign is running across TV, video on demand, sports, radio, podcasts, display, digital and out of home and runs from 19 August to 15 September 2024.
Festival Director of Electric Picnic Melvin Benn, who was recently made headlines over controversial comments on a local Laois brewery, welcomed today's news.
‘Every year, we look forward to welcoming thousands of music fans to Stradbally for a weekend of music and their safety is of paramount importance to us," he said.
"We are particularly proud to be partnering with the RSA for the first time this year and sharing their important message with our attendees over the weekend. We want everyone to enjoy the festival and get home safely and we can do that by working together.’
Pictured: RSA and Electric Picnic team up to promote road safety.
"Road safety is a key concern for everyone, and it is never acceptable to get behind the wheel with drink or drugs in your system," said Minister of State for the Department of Transport James Lawless.
"With festivals like Electric Picnic increasing traffic on the roads, it is important that we ensure that we enjoy the festival and get to and from the venue safely and responsibly. I wish everyone a fantastic time at Electric Picnic but please plan your trip and don’t drink and drive," he said.
CEO of the RSA Sam Waide has said that they are 'delighted' to be the official road safety partner at Electric Picnic.
"Together we want everyone to get there and back home safely," said Mr Waide.
"The RSA’s presence at Electric Picnic this year aims to remind people to think before they get behind the wheel. If you are driving to and from the festival, it is important to remember that you must not take any chances with alcohol and drugs.
Do not get behind the wheel if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you are the designated driver for friends or family, remember you have a duty of care to them as well as to yourself," he finished.
The RSA has highlighted the need for drivers to be on the lookout for vulnerable road users over the course of the festival including pedestrians and particularly at nighttime when traveling to and from the venue.
It is also warning of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and has urged road users to take extra care the morning after, encouraging motorists to wait until it is safe before returning to the road, take a taxi, public transport or a lift from a friend and ensure all those travelling wear their seatbelts.
Over the weekend, RSA is advising motorists to take driver fatigue into consideration and is reminding motorists to stop, sip and sleep – stop in a safe place, have a caffeine drink and take a 15–20-minute nap.
Portlaoise District Court
The Lavish beauty salon in Mountmellick on the opening day of its new premises in 2023.
Pictured: File photo
Foxcroft Street in Portarlington is partially one way
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