165 people have been killed on our roads so far this year.
Over this coming weekend significant extra Garda resources will be deployed with the aim of increasing compliance amongst road users and improving road safety.
Inappropriate speed which is the single greatest contributory factor to road deaths will be a priority over this period.
The same period last year saw four road fatalities and 2,545 detections for speeding, one needless death for each day of the bank holiday.
Drivers are urged to drive within the speed limit and at a speed appropriate to the road environment and driving conditions.
As a general rule a 1km/h decrease in average speed results in a 4% reduction in fatal collisions*.
A small change in driver behaviour can therefore impact significantly in terms of road safety.
Alcohol is the second greatest contributory factor to road deaths and injuries and so Garda enforcement activity will also be prioritised on Drink Driving.
There will be additional Garda resources deployed to combat drink driving and extensive use will be made of Mandatory Alcohol Testing checkpoints.
During the August Bank Holiday weekend period from the 3rd – 6th August 2007 inclusive, a total of three hundred and eighty-four (384) drink driving incidents were recorded, compared to 327 for the August Bank Holiday weekend 2006
The message to drivers is:-
· Never drink and drive.
· Have a nominated non-drinking driver or use public transport, taxis/hackneys if going out for a drink.
Tiredness contributes to road fatalities and injuries.
Those going on long journeys therefore should plan their journeys in advance and drivers should stop in a safe place if they feel tired and take a short nap or break away from the road.
* (Source: Raising Compliance with Road Safety Law - European Transport Safety Council).
Garda Press Office
Ref: 914/08
30th July 2008
