Roads Policing Message

On this month’s Crimecall Inspector David Tiernan was in studio discussing Road fatalities on the context of An Garda Síochána’s shared objectives with the other stakeholders and the role played in implementing the Governments Road Safety Strategy 2021 – 2030.

Objective

• Reduction in the number of deaths and Serious Injuries on our Roads
• Improve Driver behavior and attitudes

Strategy

Engage with drivers when on patrol, at checkpoints through our social media platforms and through liaison with other stakeholders, We also have a role in educating people and for example we are currently running  Bike safe workshops nationally where we educate motorcyclists through Classroom based workshop and assessed ride led by our highly trained Garda Motorcyclists.

Of course we have a role in the enforcement of our Road Traffic Legislation and where unfortunately we continue to see breaches.

So far in 2023 An Garda Síochána have issued:

Responsibility

An Garda Síochána are tasked with the responsibilities mentioned already and we along with other stakeholders such as County Councils, RSA, TII, HSE who all have a role to play in implementing the Governments Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030, Irelands 5th,that hopes to achieve a 50% reduction in deaths and Serious injuries by 2030.

Currently in Phase 1 of this plan 2021-2024(15% Reduction in Fatal RTC and 10% in Serious Injury)

Areas of Intervention

1. Safe roads and Roadsides
2. Safe Speeds
3. Safe Vehicles
4. Safe Road Use
5. Post Crash Response
6. Safe and healthy modes of travel
7. Safe work related road use.

Victims

Victims on our Roads are at the heart of our appeal to everyone. Many members of An Garda Síochána have been to these Road Traffic collisions that have claimed the lives of people and have seen first-hand the impact it has on families. This impact lasts a lifetime and therefore we must do everything possible to minimize the risk for people on our roads.

On the 20/6/23 we conducted a Day of action in Mayo/Roscommon/Longford Division in which we targeted the main Thoroughfare through the Division (N5). Multiagency checkpoints were conducted with other agencies of the state and when some Drivers were detected driving their vehicles that may not be roadworthy, without Insurance and at excessive speed.

Advice / Appeal - Summer Time

Summer time is the most dangerous time of the year on the roads - with no obvious dangers, good weather, long days which can lead to a driver dropping their guard.

Children are off schools and I’m asking that everyone take care on the roads and be extra vigilant.

Summer months brings more bicycles, motorcycles, caravans, tourists and Agricultural vehicles onto our roads.

Agricultural Vehicles

• Wash down vehicles—Don’t carry extra mud and stones onto public road,
• Careful when transporting material such as silage, sand, gravel to ensure it does not go onto public road
• Don’t overload trailers
• Use your mirrors and be aware of what is on the road behind you

I ask that people be patient on our roads, every Road user has a part to play. There are usually extra delays owing to the extra volume of traffic and this can cause frustration

Fatal collisions (33) for June, July and August 2022, currently there have been (7) so far in June.

Tips

Ensure vehicle is roadworthy including checking

• Tyres - High temperatures can exacerbate damage and weak spots so check tyres before driving.
• Check Oil, water before travelling and check Weather Forecast as given our recent interchangeable weather.
• Keep the window glass clean and repair any chips and be aware of sun glare. Sun rises in the East and sets in West and people travelling should be cognizant of this.
• Fatigue—Driver Fatigue is common and a huge risk especially during hot weather —Ensure to take plenty of breaks.
• Be PREPARED before setting off.

Lifesaver Appeal

• Reduce speed, Speeding is the biggest contributing factor to road deaths in Ireland, it’s a factor in one third of all fatal collisions. Plan your journey and take your time—Utilise Apps that give driving distances and time.

Motorists driving at 50Km/hr when you hit a pedestrian they have a 50% chance of surviving.

At 60Km/hr and the chance of surviving reduces to 10%.

Speed limit is not a target - Drive at a speed appropriate to the Road and weather conditions, volumes of traffic present and likelihood of hazards present.

1373 Safety Camera Zones Nationwide. (Identified High risk Locations

• Ensure everyone wears seatbelt - Where it was possible to establish the use of a seatbelt or not among drivers killed in 2022, a total of 19% were found not to have been wearing a seatbelt.
• Use of Mobile phone - Statistics show that making a call makes a driver 4 times more likely to be involved in a collision and texting makes a driver a staggering 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision.
• Don’t Drink or use Drugs and Drive.

1. Never, ever drink / drug drive
2.  Book a taxi or use public transport
3. Nominate a ‘designated driver’
4. Make sure you are alcohol free the next morning 

• New Drug Wipe 6s - have seen an increase in the number of Arrests for Driving while under the influence of Drugs

  On this month’s Crimecall Inspector David Tiernan was in studio discussing Road fatalities on the context of An Garda Síochána’s shared objectives with the other stakeholders and the role played in implementing the Governments Road Safety Strategy 2021 – 2030.