AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN 2008.
Provisional statistics indicate that during the seven day period from the 15th October – 21st October 2008 inclusive, a total of two hundred and ninety five (295) drink driving incidents were recorded, compared to 313 the previous week. Garda enforcement activities in this area of road safety will continue to be prioritised.
Thirty seven (37) pedestrians have been killed on our roads this year to date (21st October 2008), as compared to sixty (60) for the same period last year. Four (4) of the pedestrians killed this year were over seventy-six years of age, as compared to seventeen (17) last year. It is now more important than ever, as the darker evenings approach that pedestrians, cyclists and other such road users wear high visibility clothing and fluorescent garments which, if worn will save lives. We also urge people to assist the elderly whenever possible, when crossing roadways and indeed when using the roads in general.
Roads have been identified throughout the state which have the greatest propensity for speed related collisions. The "road sections" as currently identified arise from data compiled over the last 10 years. These road sections will continue to be reviewed having regard to recent changes in the road network. On Monday the 22nd September eight (8) new speed enforcement vehicles were launched. These vehicles are significantly upgraded having regard to modern technology and contain a facility which allows enforcement during hours of darkness and/or inclement weather. One vehicle will be allocated to each Region and the remaining two vehicles will be rotated on the direction of Garda National Traffic Bureau having regard to current trends and analysis. Enforcement is an essential part of our objective with regard to regulating and controlling road traffic and improving road safety. It is also of crucial importance that the Garda Siochana strives to create a better "voluntary compliance" culture thereby building strong community support for enforcement. Over this coming weekend significant extra Garda resources will be deployed with the aim of increasing compliance amongst road users and improving road safety. The "policy" of the European Commission refers to scientific sources which promote the concept that enforcement actions are only optimally effective if they are combined with actions to make the public aware of such enforcement actions and the reasons why they are being held.
As part of this initiative a consignment of Road Safety cards will be randomly made available to motorists who are found to be in breach of speed limits stopped at MAT checkpoints who are in the "vulnerable road user" category (i.e. 17-26yrs). (The Garda Siochana Policing Plan 2008 sets out the following performance indication at Strategic Goal 3 " 10% reduction in fatal and serious injury collisions involving drivers in the 17-26 year age group".) . The cards are aimed at increasing awareness in respect of speed and seatbelts and contain the following. Seatbelts: Seatbelts have an enormous life saving potential. We all say we love our children. "Why is it that 2999 fixed charge notices were issued for no child restraint and 4402 notices were issued for having no safety belts on children since 2006". Speed. It is the aim of all to reduce death and injury on the roads. We all fear that dreaded "knock on the door" telling us the sad news. Did you know: That a 1% reduction in speed leads to a 4% reduction in fatal accidents. Reducing speed is a guaranteed way of saving lives and avoiding horrific injuries, it will reduce the number of accidents and the number of people killed or injured.
This initiative is being particularly aimed at Creating a safer road environment and in particular during the October Bank Holiday weekend. Reducing deaths and injuries generally and in particular during December 2008. In that regard you will be aware that 38 people were killed on our roads in December 2007.
Garda Press Office
19.52hrs 23/10/08
