Authorities appeal to drivers to stay safe over busy weekend

THE Garda and Road Safety Authority (RSA) have appealed to drivers to stay safe this Easter.

On what is set to be a busy weekend on Irish roads, gardaí have said they will be active over the period and will focus particularly on drivers driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, speeding and also those using handheld mobile phones behind the wheel.

Speaking at Garda headquarters, assistant commissioner John Twomey appealed to drivers to play their part in making sure it is a safe weekend on our roads. “Let’s keep our roads safe this Easter and May Bank Holiday. I am asking every person in Ireland who uses the roads to make a commitment that they will do so safely and with care and consideration for the other people they meet along the way. Please take heed of the warnings from An Garda Síochána and our partners in the Road Safety Authority and Community Organisations. This carnage on our roads has to stop,” he said.

The warning was echoed by transport minister Leo Varadkar who stressed road safety as a major priority for the Government.

“I am determined that we will reduce road deaths this year, so as Easter approaches, I am asking everyone, including cyclists, pedestrians and motorists to put safety first. Plan your journey carefully, don’t take chances and don’t let a rash decision on our roads lead to trauma and devastation for other road users,” he said.

Meanwhile, research conducted by the Road Safety Authority has shown there has been a marked increase in support for mobile safety cameras since their introduction. Support for safety cameras has risen by 17%, up from 47% in October 2010 to 64% of all motorists with a full licence in January of this year. The research shows that the percentage of people agreeing that safety cameras save lives has risen by 8%, from 77% in October to 85% in January, while agreement that safety cameras make roads safer has risen by 7% to 84% this January.

RSA head Noel Brett said the research reflected changing attitudes to drinking and driving.

“The research demonstrates a polarisation of the public’s views has occurred in relation to the acceptability of excessive speed on our roads. A similar pattern was witnessed with changing attitudes to drinking and driving. A majority of people in this country now believe that breaking the speed limit by any amount is unacceptable social behaviour. This is to be welcomed and shows just how we have fully embraced a culture of road safety in Ireland.”