Westmeath County Council have issued a Christmas road safety message encouraging all road users to stay safe on the county’s roads over the festive period, as it was revealed that over 200 people have been killed on Irish roads this year.
The figure represents a drop of 27, or 12 per cent, on the previous year, with 232 people killed in road collisions during the same period in 2009.
When broken down by road-user, 91 drivers, 50 passengers, 42 pedestrians, 16 motorcyclists, and five cyclists have died on Irish roads to date this year. For every death on Irish roads, there are at least eight serious injuries ranging from severe brain damage, lifelong disablement, and spinal cord injuries.
Westmeath County Council says it is committed to working with the Road Safety Authority and all agencies involved in road safety to reduce fatal and serious injuries on our roads.
“It is critically important that all road users heed the warnings and road safety messages and be road safety conscious,” said a statement from the council.
“The hardest thing for road victims and their families and friends to accept is that nearly every single road collision could have been avoided.
“The greatest gift you can give this Christmas is to safeguard the lives of others by driving responsibly, while the greatest gift you can receive is that other drivers and road users are careful with your life. For in a split second your life can be over or changed completely beyond recognition.”
The council added that the Gardai will be dedicating considerable time and resources to stop irresponsible, life-threatening behaviour on our roads, in the form of speed checks, random checkpoints, and enforcement of the rules of the road.
“Our hope, and that of An Garda Síochána, is that there are fewer families grieving and fewer people who need long-term care for injuries received in road crashes that could be prevented. We would ask all road users to be road safety aware this Christmas - don’t speed, always wear your seatbelt, don’t drive if you are feeling tired, and never ever drink or drug drive.
“For pedestrians and cyclists please be safe and be seen, and wear all the necessary road safety clothing.
“Finally, the cathaoirleach, councillors, and members and staff would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.”
For further information please visit the following websites: www.westmeathcoco.ie, www.rsa.ie, or www.garda.ie
