To date, 29 people have tragically lost their lives on Irish roads, 8 road deaths less than this date last year. 196 people lost their lives on Irish roads in 2014.
Key points
• 15 people died and 30 people seriously injured over recent St. Patricks Day periods
• Double the number of arrests for intoxicated driving
• Appeal to Pedestrians to show restraint and responsibility
• Mother of son killed in crash appeals to drivers not to drink and drive
As we head into the St Patricks Day bank holiday period, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) wish to appeal to all road users, but in particular drivers and pedestrians, that although it is a day of national celebration, responsibility and restraint are key to keeping safe on the roads. With many schools closed, many families will take the opportunity to travel to different parts of the country over the next few days. It is every road users responsility to ensure that the roads are safe for all.
New figures released today show that over the past five years, on average, twice as many drivers have been arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving on both St Patricks Day and the day after, compared to any other day in the month of March. In addition, 15 people lost their lives and a further 30 people were seriously injured in road collisions between 16th-18th March, 2010-2014.
Chief Superintendent Mark Curran, Garda National traffic Bureau said today:-
"Obviously we want everyone to enjoy the festivities that will take place around the country, but please remember that if you are celebrating and consuming alcohol, leave the car behind. This not only applies to the day itself, but also the morning after. Alcohol takes time to be removed completely from your system, so if you do it right on your night out, you must ensure you are alcohol free the morning after too. It is simply unacceptable to see that the number of drivers arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving doubles over what should be a joyous couple of days. It also serves as a reminder that members of An Garda Síochána are and will be out to specifically target such dangerous driving offences”
Chief Superintendent Curran added:-
"Our message also applies to pedestrians. Please show restraint and take it easy, don’t overdo it with alcohol, and remember you must ensure you get home safely from your night out. Make this St Patricks Day period a happy, safe and road casualty free one for all.”
Moyagh Murdock, CEO of the RSA also had a message for pedestrians, in particular those socialising over the St.Patrick’s Day period:-
"Two thirds of pedestrians killed on our roads have consumed alcohol. This is a staggering statistic, and it is not new. When you’re walking under the influence of alcohol you’re unsteady on your feet making you less capable of crossing the road safely and quickly and more likely to fall over or end up on the ground totally out of view of oncoming traffic. You’re also more likey to step out unexpectedly into the path of oncoming vehicles because your judgment of distance and speed is seriously compromised. So, if you are going out, plan getting back. This means organising collection afterwards, a lift, or sharing a taxi or hackney to get home safely.”
The Garda and RSA’s St Patrick’s Day road safety campaign is being supported by Christine Donnelly, a mother from Waterford who lost her son, Brendan, in 2009 at the young age of 24 years. He was tragically killed when his vehicle was hit by a drunk driver, while travelling to Cork Airport. Christine has recorded a public service broadcast message which is being aired on national and local radio. She has also recorded a short video message with veteran broadcaster Charlie Bird as part of an online social media campaign in the run up to St. Patrick’s Day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZJbgbBrzaA&feature=youtu.be
Chief Superintendent Curran, Garda National Traffic Bureau will be available for interview by telephone between 11am & 1pm today, Friday 13th March 2015. Please reply by email, which should contain a contact number, to pressoffice@garda.ie if you wish to request an interview with Chief Superintendent Curran.
Notes:
| Fatalities 16/3-18/3 | Serious injuries 16/3-18/3 | Driving under the influence arrests - 16/3 | Driving under the influence arrests - 17/3 | Driving under the influence arrests - 18/3 | Driving under the influence arrests - 19/3 |
2010 | 4 | 3 | 22 | 85 | 87 | 30 |
2011 | 7 | 7 | 20 | 70 | 64 | 47 |
2012 | 2 | 1 | 24 | 61 | 93 | 35 |
2013
| 1 | 11 | 31 | 54 | 53 | 10 |
2014 | 1 | 8 | 43 | 55 | 26 | 11 |
