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Pedestrian deaths double in 2020
07.05.20
AN Garda Síochána and
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) have expressed
concern at the number of drivers being detected
driving at excessive speed and at a doubling in the
number of pedestrian deaths to date this year.
Sixteen pedestrians have been killed up to the 29
April 2020, compared to eight pedestrian deaths up
to the same period in 2019. Six pedestrians alone
have died since the schools were closed in the
middle of March. |
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Sixteen pedestrians have been killed
on our roads up to the 29 April 2020. |
Pedestrians are being
reminded of the Rules of the Road when out walking.
This includes using a footpath where one is
provided. Where there is no footpath you must walk
as near as possible to the right-hand side of the
road facing oncoming traffic. Pedestrians should
ensure they are visible to other users, cyclists and
vehicles, especially when walking in the early
morning and late evening. They are also being
advised to always assume that they will encounter
traffic on the road regardless of the current
restrictions on travel.
The authorities have also expressed serious concern
at the number of drivers who, despite the reduced
amount of traffic on the road, are speeding. Some
drivers have been detected speeding through streets
with 50km/h limits at what can only be described as
motorway speeds. Drivers are being urged to slow
down and expect to encounter more pedestrians and
cyclists than normal on your journey.
Chief Superintendent, Paul Cleary, An Garda Síochána,
said, "Gardaí will be performing an increased number
of high visibility checkpoints over the coming days.
Despite the reduced amount of traffic on our roads
at this time, we still have concerns for vulnerable
road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, and we
would appeal to motorists to reduce their speed.”
He added that, "Although there is a substantial
reduction in traffic volumes, some drivers are
driving at extreme speed whilst the roads are
quieter; for example a driver was recently arrested
after travelling at 202km/h on the M1 motorway, this
is completely irresponsible and a danger to all road
users.”
"Gardaí remain concerned at the increase in
detections of drivers under the influence of an
intoxicant, and we are appealing to drivers not to
drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. With
the increased amount of Garda checkpoints, there is
a greater possibility of detection and prosecution",
he concluded.
A total of 54 people have died on the roads so far
in 2020, seven more than last year. This means that
there has not been a significant reduction in road
deaths, which might have been expected given reduced
traffic volumes. Since schools were closed on Friday
13 March 2020 and up to 29 April 2020, there have
been 17 road traffic fatalities. This compares to 18
fatalities over the same period last year. |
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