Many road users have changed their behaviour, and the downward trend has come about through greater compliance with road traffic laws.
The autumn period is an appropriate time to remind all road users of the importance of road safety. Schools are reopening and a change in light and road conditions require greater care by all.
The downward trend in road traffic collisions has continued over the summer months. An Garda Siochana wishes to acknowledge the contribution to road safety by road users who exercise care and consideration in their driving and use of our roads.
Assistant Commissioner Eddie Rock, Garda National Traffic Bureau speaking at Garda Headquarters stated:
“Voluntary compliance by road users is crucial in reducing the incidence of serious and fatal collisions. We appeal therefore to all drivers, to their parents, wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends and to the wider community, to remind their friends and loved ones of the need to act responsibly on our roads.”
Many road users have changed their behaviour, and the downward trend has come about through greater compliance with road traffic laws. For example, the vast majority of drivers and passengers now wear seat belts.
In addition, drink driving is no longer socially acceptable and as a result designated drivers and the use of public transport have become the norm when people socialise. There is also most likely a significant connection between the change in behaviour and the reduced number of collisions, and indeed reduced fatalities, with the introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) checkpoints.
Assistant Commissioner Eddie Rock continued:
“An Garda Síochána will continue with targeted enforcement to ensure that those errant road users, who place their own lives and those of other road users at risk, are made amenable for their actions.”
Up to the end of August, 163 people lost their lives in road traffic collisions. This compares to 198 during the same period last year, a difference of 35 lives.
Provisional figures this year up to the 27th August indicate that almost 30,000 collisions (actual 29,992) have been reported to the Garda Síochána. This includes all categories of collisions: fatal, personal injury and material damage. The figure of 29,992 collisions shows a percentage decrease of 12.7% on the same period in 2008, when 33,805 collisions were reported.
In the period since the start of June this year provisional figures indicate that 6,929 MAT checkpoints were conducted. Approximately 184,097 vehicles passed through these checkpoints, and 83,065 drivers were breath tested. Some 396 people (0.48%) either failed the road side breath test or refused to provide a sample.
This figure of 0.48% compares with a failure/refusal of about 2% when MAT checkpoints were first provided for in legislation in 2006, an indication of the changing behaviour of motorists in relation to drink driving.
Unless otherwise indicated, all figures are based on provisional operational returns and are current up to 27th August 2009.
Garda Press Office
16.05 hrs, 2nd September 2009
