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18 pedestrians killed on roads
this year
29.05.20
AN Garda Síochána have
appealed for road users to take extra care as
provisional collision figures for 2020 show that
there has been a 17% increase in the number of fatal
crashes and a 9% increase in road deaths compared to
last year.
Gardaí reported that 60 people have been killed in
56 fatal collisions up to the 27 May 2020, compared
to 55 deaths in 48 fatal collisions in the same
period last year.
Of great concern for both the Gardaí and the Road
Safety Authority (RSA) is the doubling in pedestrian
deaths this year. 18 pedestrians have been killed
this year compared to 9 in 2019. |
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18 pedestrians have been killed on
the roads in Ireland this year. |
Chief Superintendent
Paul Cleary, Garda National Roads Policing Unit
said, "In light of the increase in road deaths this
year, An Garda Síochána will launch a Roads Policing
enforcement operation this coming June bank holiday
weekend. The operation will concentrate on the four
‘Lifesaver’ offences of driving under the influence
of alcohol or drugs, speeding, non-seatbelt wearing
and using a mobile phone while driving.”
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Shane
Ross, said "I am greatly alarmed at the rise in road
deaths this year, particularly at the increase in
pedestrian deaths. I am appealing to all road users
to please take a closer look at how you behave on
the road and to take greater responsibility and
practice good road safety habits.”
Highlighting the risks over the bank holiday Mr
Michael Rowland, Director of Road Safety, Driver
Education and Research said "With good weather
forecast this weekend the roads are going to be busy
even with current travel restrictions. As has been
the pattern throughout the current health crisis
many people will be out walking, jogging and
cycling. The lifting of some restrictions in Phase 1
of the government’s road map also means that more
people will be driving, for example to garden
centres and other locations where outdoor sports
have resumed. So, motorists need to slow down and
expect the unexpected while walkers and cyclists
should be seen and use the road safely.” |
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