Road Safety Message - Provisional statistics so far this year indicate that 275 people have been killed in fatal collisions compared to 338 for 2007, a net reduction of 63 lives saved.
Provisional statistics so far this year indicate that 275 people have been killed in fatal collisions compared to 338 for 2007, a net reduction of 63 lives saved.
This is indeed a very welcome and positive development. However, there is no room for complacency as provisional statistics also indicate that there have been 173,251 detections for speeding recorded against errant motorists for 2008.
Inappropriate speed is the single greatest contributory factor in road deaths and serious injuries. Drivers are urged to slow down and remember that as a general rule a 1km/h decrease in average speed results in a 2% reduction in minor injury collisions, a 3% reduction in serious injury collisions and a 4% reduction in fatal collisions.
Roads have been identified throughout the State which have the greatest propensity for speed related collisions. These road sections as currently identified arise from data compiled over the last ten years.
An Garda Síochána continues to introduce new enforcement technology which will be deployed in locations where there is the greatest propensity for speed related collisions and where it will have the greatest impact.
In addition, An Garda Síochána is also in the process of deploying a number of Automatic Number Plate Recognition Systems in each Garda Division. This will further assist the Garda objective in saving lives and bringing about a greater compliance culture.
As we approach 2009, An Garda Síochána is appealing to all motorists to respect the speed limits and exercise greater personal responsibility for their driving behaviour thereby protecting their own lives, their passengers and all other road users.
A member of the Garda National Traffic Bureau will be available for interview between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesday 30th December, 2008. Contact 01 6661951
Garda Press Office
29th December 2008
1415/08 1500h
