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There have been 143 deaths on Irish roads to date this year, 12 more deaths compared to 2019 despite the fact that traffic volumes have dropped by about 30% on average this year due to the pandemic.
The Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána, the Dublin Fire Brigade and the Department of Transport urge road users to act responsibly and safely when using the roads during the Christmas and New Year period.
The call was made on the occasion of the launch of a new road safety campaign.
With the period between Christmas and New Years traditionally dangerous on the roads, the new campaign aims to encourage road users to be more cautious during the festive period.
RSA’s analysis of the garda investigation files for fatal collisions shows that 18 people lost their lives during this period over the past five years.
The lifting of Covid-19 restrictions to allow people to cross county borders, before Christmas, will mean additional traffic on Irish roads.
With the expectation of higher volumes, the RSA is asking drivers to allow extra time for trips, take breaks and be more attentive to vulnerable road users.
Transportation Department Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton said they want to make sure everyone reaches their destination safely.
“Many people will not be used to driving long distances, so I ask you to take your time. The important thing is that you arrive safely. I want to congratulate the work of our emergency services, especially for their participation in this timely road safety campaign that launches today.
“In what has been a challenging year, I want to thank you for the brilliant services you continue to provide in our communities. The commitment we have seen in response to the Covid-19 pandemic has been extraordinary. But road safety is also a health issue. public problem and we need to see the same commitment from all road users to save lives on our roads, “said Rep. Naughton.
Sam Waide, executive director of RSA, said that emergency services personnel have first-hand experience dealing with the aftermath of traffic accidents on a daily basis.
“That is why we wanted our latest road safety appeal, in response to the increase in deaths, to be a direct appeal to them. They have witnessed the devastating consequences of road injuries and, as they themselves say, what is happening is unnecessary. and totally preventable.
“So as we approach the high-risk period of Christmas and New Years, I would ask everyone to please listen to his message of taking care of each other on the road,” Waide said.
An Garda Síochána said that driving under the influence of alcohol is still a problem and, while the number of offenders has been greatly reduced in line with traffic volumes, the same cannot be said for those who drive under the influence of alcohol. drugs
Since the Christmas campaign began on December 4, the number of drug drivers has doubled compared to the same period last year, equivalent to an increase of 102%.
Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon of the Garda National Highway Police Office said: “A Garda Síochána is committed to reducing fatalities and serious injuries on our roads and my colleagues from across the country will be on the roads during the Christmas period. .
“We will focus on the top killer behaviors that lead to death and injury, we have seen a large number of drivers caught for speeding and driving under the influence in recent months and will continue to focus on these irresponsible behaviors.
“Traffic volumes have dropped about 30% on average this year and yet the number of people we have detected speeding on our roads has increased by more than a quarter.”
Fire Chief Dennis Keeley of the Dublin Fire Brigade said: “Emergency services personnel are ready day and night to respond to any emergency that occurs on the road.
“They say prevention is better than cure, and with this in mind, my colleagues and I from fire services across the country are urging all road users to think about their actions and how they can keep the roads safe. for all.
“Not just this Christmas and New Years, but in 2021. It is often the simplest behavior changes that make the biggest difference, so slow down, always wear your seatbelt, put your mobile phone away, and watch out for bicyclists and pedestrians. Stay safe and keep others safe too. “
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