The August Bank Holiday weekend in 2008 accounted for the second highest number of fatal collisions for a Bank Holiday period and saw four people lose their lives on Irish roads. Two of these drivers were in the 16 to 30 age group, so An Garda Síochána is appealing to all road users, and in particular young male drivers, to slow down and take care on the roads.
Provisional figures (to July 23 ) show that a total of 142 people have lost their lives on Ireland’s roads so far this year. Male drivers account for 79 per cent of all fatalities; young male drivers continue to be the most vulnerable road users, however, accounting for 41 per cent of driver fatalities. Sixty seven per cent of all road fatalities are drivers and passengers in cars.
In Mayo during the August Bank Holiday 2008, there was one serious injury as a result of a collision. Eight were arrested for suspected drink driving; while 15 were suspected of speeding. In the first six months of this year there have been five fatal collisions in Mayo and eight people sustained serious injury. Those arrested for the suspicion of drink driving totalled 191 and 2,768 motorists for speeding.
