What's the news?
The sad news is that an additional seven people have been killed on Irish roads so far this year compared to 2015. A new report, issued by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) shows that from January 1st to July 21st this year, road deaths have increased by eight per cent and the RSA and Gardaí are predicting that a further 80 people will be killed on Irish roads by the end of this year.
The total number of fatalities so far is 93 people who have been killed in 89 separate collisions and incidents. That breaks down into 43 drivers, 18 passengers, 16 pedestrians, 11 motorcyclists and five cyclists who have been killed on Irish roads. Driver deaths have increased by 10 per cent and passenger deaths have increased by 29 per cent.
We're now well into July and coming up to August and the next Bank Holiday weekend and the RSA and Gardaí are warning that these are generally dreadful months for road fatalities, with alcohol being of particular concern. Earlier this year, the RSA reported that 38 per cent of all road deaths were directly attributed to drinking and driving and that driving under the influence is growing rapidly in the youngest cohort of drivers, those aged from 18 to 24.
Commenting on the review, Liz O'Donnell, Chairman, RSA said: "Unfortunately, our review shows that road fatalities have increased this year. The increases are particularly evident among drivers, passengers and older road-users. If the current trend continues, we stand to lose almost 80 people in preventable and unnecessary road collisions.
"Complacency is our biggest challenge over the next six months. We need to get the basics right every single time we use the roads. This means not driving impaired, not speeding, wearing our seatbelts, making sure we're visible to other road-users and avoiding distraction and fatigue. We need to take personal responsibility and not take unnecessary risks that put ourselves - or others - in danger. By sharing the road safely together, we can all play a role in saving lives."
Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid, An Garda Síochána said: "We appeal to the public to be responsible in relation to drinking and driving, especially coming into the August bank holiday period. Never, ever drink and drive. Never take a lift off someone who has been drinking and make every effort to dissuade that drink driver from driving - if necessary contact the Gardaí. You could be saving a life, yours, theirs or someone else's.
"Nearly one third of all drivers killed between 2008 and 2012 had alcohol in their system. This is a startling and unacceptable fact, and one which urgently needs addressing. To this end, and during this high risk summer period, our members are conducting additional drink driving enforcement and educational activity. In addition, we are concentrating our activity on high risk areas, where drink drivers are likely to be found, i.e. on rural and regional roads. There has been more drink driving arrests in 2016 compared to 2015, with a significant increase in July this year compared to July 2015. It is imperative we target high risk drivers and make the roads safer for all."
Between 2011 and 2015, 11 people were killed and 34 people were seriously injured over the August Bank Holiday period. This weekend, the RSA is teaming up with Applegreen to provide free cups of coffee to help drivers to combat tiredness behind the wheel. Simply mention 'RSA' to the till operator at any Applegreen Service Station nationwide to avail of a free coffee.
Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive, RSA said: "Bank holiday weekends are a high-risk period for all road-users, especially drivers, as there are more people on the roads travelling longer distances. So there is an even greater need for attention behind the wheel and a sense of shared responsibility when using the roads.
"Driver fatigue is something we all suffer from time to time, particularly people who drive long distances or do shift work. However, research suggests that it is as dangerous as drink-driving and could be a factor in up to 20% of driver deaths every year. It's critical to recognise the symptoms and to take action before it's too late. Pull in, sip a coffee or caffeinated drink, and take a 15 minute nap. After that, you should be ok to drive for another hour or so."