Plea to cut Easter road deaths

More than 20 people died in Easter time road collisions over the last five years.

Figures released today showed from 2001 to 2005, 21 people lost their lives in 19 holiday collisions.

A further 538 people were left with serious injuries.

National Safety Council is now calling on motorists and pedestrians to take extra care this bank holiday weekend.

“A total of 21 people never made it home over the Easter period in the last five years following collisions on Irish roads,” said Noel Brett, acting chief executive.

“To avoid a repeat of this needless loss of life I would urge all road users to take great care and show consideration for others when using the roads this Easter.”

So far this year 113 people have been killed in 96 collisions.

Mr Brett continued: “We see the car as an extension of our home, a safe environment for our families. But using the roads is the most dangerous thing we do every day. We forget this and underestimate the risks we face on the roads.

“These risks are greatly increased over bank holiday periods. It’s a time when the roads are busier than normal, with people taking short breaks and vulnerable road users such as walkers, cyclists and bikers taking to the roads in greater numbers. If we are aware of these added dangers while enjoying the break we will all get home safely.”

Labour’s education spokesperson Jan O’Sullivan today called for secondary school students to be taught safe driving.

“The number of people in their late teens and early 20 involved in road traffic accidents remains at an unacceptably high level,” she said.

“It seems that many younger drivers are driving on provisional licenses without getting any meaningful instruction in how to drive safely.

“There is a case to be made for integrating driver education into the secondary school curriculum.”

Mrs O’Sullivan said recent research suggests parents and schools are in favour of such proposals.

“It seems to me that any measures that could potentially reduce road carnage and increase road safety should be closely examined,” she added.

“There is great scope for improving the driver behaviour of young people and instruction in areas such as the rules of the road, risk management and motor skills will serve to make our roads a safer place.”

Safety tips for drivers include always driving at an appropriate speed for the conditions and circumstances, never drive while impaired by alcohol, drugs or tiredness, don’t tailgate and take frequent breaks.

Pedestrians are warned to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, to walk on a footpath, if there is no footpath walk on the right hand side of the road facing traffic, carry a torch on country roads and wear bright clothing with reflective armbands.