The joint Garda / Road Safety Authority Road Safety Campaign for the Christmas and New Year Period is in operation with targeted enforcement in the following key areas:
Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
Speeding
Non wearing of Safety Belts
Assistant Commissioner Twomey, took the opportunity to remind drivers of the reduced Drink Drive limits introduced over the October Bank Holiday weekend.
Referring to the number of people killed on the roads this year, Assistant Commissioner Twomey said:
"To date this year (16th December 2011) 175 people have been killed on our roads in 162 collisions. Many more have suffered life changing injuries. This represents a further significant reduction in Road Traffic Fatalities, down 30 on this date last year.
While An Garda Síochána applauds the efforts being made by drivers to change behaviour, every single death has a devastating impact on family, friends and the local community and we all have a continuing role to play in further reducing road deaths.
Our focus remains on changing driver behaviour. An Garda Síochána is not out there trying to catch people speeding or drinking and driving; we want to stop people engaging in reckless behaviour that endangers their own lives and those of other people in the community. However, we are targeting our enforcement activity and if people choose to break the law, they will be caught.”
Mr Noel Brett Chief Executive Officer of the RSA , has made a direct appeal to drivers to travel safely over the Christmas period.
"Over the next two weeks people will be travelling on our roads to join friends and family for Christmas and the New Year. I want to appeal to them to take care on the roads and ensure they arrive at their destinations safely. It is important that drivers slow down, don’t drink and drive and wear their seat belts.”
Mr Noel Brett added ” there is an amazing story in that there are 30 fewer people dead on our roads than this time last year, This represents a changing culture by drivers and for the first time there is a there is a possibility that less than 200 people will have died on our roads. I congratulate and applaud Irish Road users for their behaviour on our roads this year. Small changes in behaviour and taking personal responsibility saves lives and will continue to do so.”
Assistant Commissioner Twomey also made a special appeal to vulnerable road users (pedestrians, pedal cyclists, motorcyclists):
"Almost 40% of people killed on our roads are vulnerable road users. This winter I would ask pedestrians and cyclists to ensure they can be seen on the roads by wearing high visibility or fluorescent clothing. Motorists also need to be conscious of both pedestrians and cyclists using the roads. All road users need take account of the dark evenings and the changing weather conditions, in their use of the roads over the Christmas period. Drivers should ensure that their vehicles are road worthy, that all lights are working and tyres are in good condition.”
The overall message remains the same ‘Don’t Drink and Drive’.
With a further effort by all members of the community this year we all can ensure a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
