107 people have been killed in fatal collisions compared to 111 for 2008.
Provisional statistics so far this year indicate that 107 people have been killed in fatal collisions compared to 111 for 2008. However in May of this year there has been 8 more fatalities on Irish roads when compared to the same period (May) in 2008.
An increasing number of road deaths are occurring in the early hours of the morning. Fifteen (15) deaths have occurred this year so far in the ‘two hour’ period between 6am – 8am as compared to 7 for the comparative period in 2008.
The following chart indicates the times of road deaths this year so far -
DAY/TIME | 0-2 | 2-4 | 4-6 | 6-8 | 8-10 | 10-12 | 12-14 | 14-16 | 16-18 | 18-20 | 20-22 | 22-0 | Tot | % |
Monday | 2 | | 1 | 4 | | 1 | 2 | | 3 | 5 | | 2 | 20 | 18.7 |
Tuesday | 1 | | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 13.1 |
Wednesday | 2 | 2 | | 1 | 1 | 2 | | | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 15 | 14.0 |
Thursday | 1 | | | 1 | | | | 1 | 1 | | | | 4 | 3.7 |
Friday | | 1 | | 4 | | 2 | | 1 | | 2 | 2 | 2 | 14 | 13.1 |
Saturday | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 19 | 17.8 |
Sunday | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | | 1 | 21 | 19.6 |
Total | 11 | 7 | 5 | 15 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 10 | 15 | 7 | 10 | 107 | |
A combination of of the following factors significantly contribute to this worrying trend –
· Drivers using excessive speed
· Tiredness due to insufficient sleep.
· Inappropriate speed with regard to the road conditions
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 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 will concentrate its enforcement activity in these locations using available speed enforcement technology in an effort to reverse the current unacceptable upward trend in fatalities.
An Garda Siochana would appeal to all road users to be aware of their vulnerability on the road, to take personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of others.
Garda Press Office.
11:05 hrs 28/05/09
