Garda statistics help raise the ghost of Mark Twain

In relation to the article on the record and performance of GoSafe speed detection units by Gordon Deegan (Irish Examiner, February 24), the statistics quoted may be incorrect.

These statistics supplied by the Garda spokesperson claim there was a 50% reduction in fatal accidents in 2014 and this was a saving of 29 lives.

According to the website of An Garda Síochána there were 946 road users fatally injured in road traffic accidents and 1,074,873 drivers issued with penalty points since the introduction of GoSafe in 2010.

In 2013 road fatalities increased by 28 over 2012 figures and a further six in 2014.

According to figures provided by the Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald, fixed charge penalties from speeding fine detections have generated €18.9m in income between 2010 and 2014.

It is reported that Mark Twain (1835 – 1910) said, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.”

There are some who claim that Mark never said this.

Frank Cullinan

Glasnevin Park, Dublin 11.