Assistant Commissioner John Twomey has made a direct appeal to all road users to exercise greater care and to take personal responsibility when using the nation’s roads for the remainder of the year.
“Sadly, so far this year 191 people were killed on the national roads,” he said. “Thirty five people were killed during October 2010, making it one of the worst months for fatalities since February 2008.”
This time of the year presents extra challenges with less daylight and a greater chance of wet and slippery road surfaces. “Speed continues to play a large part in deaths on the roads. The faster you travel, the less time you have to react and the greater the damage resulting from a collision. All these factors increase the likelihood of death and serious injuries to the driver, passenger or other road users.”
Referring to vulnerable road users, Assistant Commissioner Twomey said that half of those who have died are aged between 16 and 30, including half of all drivers and two-thirds of passengers. “Three-quarters of those who have died are male,” he added. “Therefore, Gardaí appeal to young males in particular to slow down and take account of the changes in road and weather conditions as we continue into the winter months.”
During October eight pedestrians and one cyclist lost their lives on our roads. An Garda Síochána appeals to drivers to anticipate meeting pedestrians and cyclists on the road and to reduce their speed accordingly. An Garda Síochána also appeals to pedestrians and cyclists to take additional care and to make themselves as visible as possible, by wearing bright clothing (hi-vis vests ) and for cyclists to ensure that they have the required lighting.
Assistant Commissioner Twomey reminds all road users to recognise their individual responsibility to ensure that they do everything they can to make our roads as safe as possible, as we approach the end of the year.
