30 fewer road deaths so far this year
In Cork, however, there have been 26 road deaths this year to date, an increase of eight from 2010.
Appealing to drivers to travel safely over the Christmas period, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) said there was a real possibility that a lot less than 200 people will have died on the country’s roads by the year end.
RSA chief executive Noel Brett said the continuing year-by-year reduction represented a changing culture by drivers.
“There are 175 people dead this morning which represents 30 fewer than on the same day last year,” he said. “Small changes in behaviour and taking personal responsibility saves lives and will continue to do so.”
Mr Brett said it was possible, for the first time since records began in 1959, there could be fewer than 200 people killed on the roads.
He said Ireland had made remarkable road safety progress in the past decade and was currently the 6th safest country in Europe.
Pointing out that the cost to the Exchequer for every fatality was €2.7 million, Mr Brett said they were really pleading with people to continue to practice good road behaviour despite the harsh economic times because it saved lives
“Don’t let your behaviour slip and focus on the three main killer behaviours — drinking and driving, taking a lift with someone who has been drinking, drug driving and taking a lift known to have taken drugs,” he urged.
Meanwhile, the head of the Garda National Traffic Bureau, John Twomey, said there was an increase in passenger numbers because of the downturn in the economy that has resulted in fewer cars on the roads.
“Despite all the good news, the one category of road users where there has been an increase in road deaths in 2011 is that of passengers,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner Twomey also said almost 40% of people killed on the country’s roads were vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
He also further confirmed 300,000 people had been prosecuted this year for speeding, drink driving; for using mobile phones and failing to wear seat belts.
“A lot of people still have not got the message and such prosecutions will continue over the Christmas period,” he warned.
