Driving safely is paramount to the safety of vulnerable road users.
Provisional statistics for the 22nd October, 2009, show that a total of 189 people lost their lives on our roads so far this year.
Over the last nine years, 43 people lost their lives on our roads over the October bank holiday weekend, with three (3) people losing their lives last year (2008).
Almost one third of these fatalities have been vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians (15%), cyclists (3.7%) or motorcyclists (13.9%). With the clocks going back and the nights becoming longer, vulnerable road users should ensure that they can be clearly seen, by using high visibility clothing and reflective material, particularly on country roads late at night or early in the morning.
Pedestrians and cyclists must be road wise and avoid walking or cycling where they can’t be clearly seen.
Driving safely is paramount to the safety of vulnerable road users.
We appeal to all motorists to remember that vehicle lighting is not just for the hours of darkness. Using dipped headlights can make it easier to identify oncoming vehicles in the distance and is an effective low cost method of reducing daytime collisions.
A Danish study found a 6% reduction in daytime multiple-vehicle collisions and a 34% reduction in left-turn collisions.
In the United States, a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that the use of ‘Daytime Running Lights’ resulted in a 12% reduction of fatal collisions with pedestrians and cyclists.
Road users should ‘slow down, switch on and be seen’ this bank holiday weekend.
Chief Superintendent Gabriel McIntyre from the Garda National Traffic Bureau said “I appeal to all road users, pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and drivers to take responsibility for their own safety. Ensure visibility on the roads through the use of lights and, where appropriate, high visibility clothing. Always drive within the speed limit and at a speed appropriate to the road and weather conditions, never drink and drive, always wear a seatbelt and ensure young children use child restraints. Drivers should be conscious that fatigue is a cause of road collisions so those taking long journeys should ensure they take breaks while en route to their destination.”
Interviews with members of An Garda Siochana Dublin Traffic Department will be facilitated through the Garda Press Office. Please provide contact telephone numbers with e-mail request.
Garda Press Office
22nd October 2009 11.20am
