Excessive speed, drink driving and non-wearing of seat belts continue to remain the key contributory factors to death and serious injury on Irish roads.
Leading up to and over the course of the October Bank Holiday weekend a range of additional Garda enforcement activities will be undertaken in an effort to reduce deaths on Irish roads and to increase the safety of all road users.
This year, to date, there have been nineteen (19) fatalities on the roads in the greater Dublin area compared to twenty (20) in 2008. It is acknowledged that there is a change in driver behaviour, however, there is no room for complacency we would urge people to slow down and obey traffic regulations which are designed with road safety in mind.
Excessive speed, drink driving and non-wearing of seat belts continue to remain the key contributory factors to death and serious injury on Irish roads. This latest Dublin operation aims at tackling all of these activities in an endeavour to encourage a positive change in driver attitude and behaviour.
Cyclists in particular are being reminded about the potential dangers being faced by them on the roads. We would urge these cyclists returning to cycling to exercise great caution while they get used to cycling on busy streets.
An Garda Siochana offers the following simple reminders to cyclists. These will assist them in having a safe, enjoyable experience:-
Make sure that your bike is road worthy.
Check tyres, lights, brakes, reflectors & bell are in working order.
Make sure that the bike fits you.
Familiarise yourself with the route(s) that you intend to take. This will help identify any hazards you may face.
Make yourself as visible as possible. Make sure that all other road users are able to see you.
Wear Hi-Visibility vest, Yellow Sam Brown belt.
Use lights on your bike - front and rear.
We recommend that you wear a properly fitted cycle helmet.
Use dedicated cycle tracks where available.
Give good, clear, early signals to other road users. Try to make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they have seen you.
Check that it is safe to make intended manoeuvre.
Do not listen to music on headphones.
Obey the Rules of the Road.
Throughout Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, an extensive static vehicle checkpoint operation will be in place at strategic locations throughout Dublin City, including a number of checkpoints. All checkpoints will operate Mandatory Alcohol Testing, in addition to the enforcement of all aspects of road traffic legislation.
Road users should also be advised that, in addition to this specific operation, other Garda enforcement activities will be undertaken throughout the Region over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Interviews with members of An Garda Siochana Dublin Traffic Department will be facilitated through the Garda Press Office. Please provide contact telephone numbers with request.
Garda Press Office
21/10/09 2.15pm
