Operation "Focus” - Phase 2- Western Region

Thirteen of these deaths occurred on roads within the Western Region, with seven of the fatalities occurring in the Galway area.  The Western Region fatalities continue to rise, from a low in 2010, and operation Focus is part of the work to reverse this trend.
 

"Operation Focus” is an initiative whereby An Garda Síochána will focus our enforcement resources in a concentrated fashion on known high risk locations for a 24 hour period, moving from Garda region to Garda region throughout the year.

The objective is to "Focus” the attention of all road users on the ongoing enforcement around the main causes of deaths on our roads – speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, dangerous driving, non-use of seatbelts and the unlawful use of mobile phones.

Here in the western region the focus will be on speeding in 80kph and 100kph zones and the non-use of seatbelts by drivers and passengers.

 
Our analysis indicates that 84% of drivers in this region were killed on roads with an 80kph or 100kph speed limit. 
 

20% of drivers of passengers killed in collisions in this region were not wearing seatbelts.
 

All our resources including safety cameras, will be utilised and we will be supported by the "Road Safety Authority” in this operation.
 

Assistant Commissioner O’ Mahoney, Garda National Traffic Bureau said. "while the continued downward trend in fatalities across the country is to be welcomed, this trend is not reflected in the Western region. We appeal to road users in the region to "Focus” on road safety in order to reverse this trend and reduce death and serious injury in collisions and spare families the pain and grief associated with such sudden loss of a loved one. Enforcement continues to be a high priority for An Garda Síochána and will be focused on speeding in 80kph and 100kph zones and the non-wearing of seatbelts by drivers and passengers.”
 

Noel Brett, Road Safety Authority said "Enforcement by An Garda Síochána continues to be a vital component in the battle to reduce deaths and serious injury on our roads.  I welcome the selection of the Western Region for phase 2 of Operation Focus, as, like An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority is concerned at the increase in fatalities in this region. The focus on speeding enforcement in 80kph and 100kph speed limit areas will lead to prosecutions so the message clearly is "Slow Down ”.

 
During the period of "Operation Focus” the following Mandatory Alcohol Test (MAT) checkpoints will be carried out
 

180 District M.A.T checkpoints across 22 Garda Districts
In excess of 20 patrol cars and 40 Gardaí across all Districts.

15 Regional MAT checkpoints performed by dedicated Traffic Units
In excess of 12 vehicles and 24 Gardaí deployed.

 
The M6/ and M18 Motorway within the Western Region will be patrolled on a rotating basis by High Visibility Patrols including Garda Motorcyclists.
 

During "Operation Focus” marked safety cameras vans will be deployed within the Western region carrying out speed enforcement at known collision black spots.  These speed checks will be supported by Garda units enforcing speed limits using handheld speed guns outside the above checkpoint schedules.
 

ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) vehicles will be used extensively on both motorway and urban routes throughout the 24hour period.
 

Assistant Commissioner O’Mahoney said "Today is the second phase of Operation Focus and An Garda Síochána appeal to motorists to slow down in 80kph and 100kph zones and to ensure that everyone in the vehicle wear seatbelts. Too many lives have been lost in this region and too many families have suffered these losses.  An Garda Síochána is determined to reverse the recent trend and appeal to road users to act responsibly.  As a community we all have a duty to ensure that no family should lose a loved one on our roads as a result of reckless behaviour.”
 

In conjunction with the Garda National Traffic Bureau Operation ‘FOCUS’ on March 22nd, Assistant Commissioner Nolan (Western Region) will host a Traffic Forum at Oranmore Garda Station Galway at 2pm. The forum will be attended by Senior Garda Officers, Road Safety Authority Officials, County Council Roads Engineers and Road Safety Education Officers.
 

Assistant Commissioner Nolan said, "I wish to thank those road users who have contributed to improving road safety in this region and encourage everybody to consider how they can contribute to making our roads safer. Today’s operation is the first of a number of high visibility multi agency check points that are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks throughout the Western Region and while we are encouraging people to work with us we are also committed to enforcing legislation and dealing appropriately with those who are putting their own and other lives at risk.”
 

Operation Focus

National

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