There follows a statement from the Road Safety Authority issued today.
Our own comments are at the bottom of this post.
Following the deaths of 11 road users in the last five days, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is today Thursday 28th July renewing its appeal, ahead of the high risk Bank Holiday weekend, for all road users to take greater care when using the roads.
“Eleven deaths is an appalling loss of life”
said Ms. Moyagh Murdock, CEO, Road Safety Authority,
Moyah Murdoch
Image credit: RSA
“and our thoughts are with all of the 105 families who have been left grieving the loss of a loved one to date this year.”
“These deaths should serve as a reminder to us all that using the road is the most dangerous thing we do each day. All it takes is a split second for tragedy to strike.”
“I would appeal to drivers to act responsibly, drive at the right speed for the conditions, don’t drive when impaired either through alcohol, drugs or fatigue and always wear a seatbelt and ensure passengers are wearing theirs too, no matter how short the trip. Designate a driver or leave the car at home completely and take a taxi. Do not take a lift from a friend who has been drinking, report them to the Gardaí if they refuse to listen to sense. Vulnerable road users too need to ensure their safety by or example being seen on the road with reflective clothing.”
Ms. Murdock also added that
“times like this should strengthen our resolve to press ahead with the implementation of the measures contained in the Government Road Safety Strategy. Important road safety measures such as Chemical Roadside Testing for Drugs which is contained in the new Road Traffic Bill. Enforcement also plays a critical role and both the RSA Chairperson and I met with the Garda Commissioner this week to stress this very point. However, while the Government and public agencies have a responsibility to ensure the roads are made safer, as individuals we must play our part too and accept greater responsibility for our behaviour on the road only by doing this can we prevent the kind of carnage we have witnessed this week.”
105 people have lost their lives on Irish roads to date in 2016. This represents an 18% increase on last year (+16 deaths). 18 lives have been lost to date in the month of July 2016.
Fatal Traffic Collisions Sunday 24th July to Thursday 28th July
1. Fatal Traffic Collision, Co. Sligo, Sunday 24th July 2016 – Motorcycle passenger (1)
2. Single Vehicle Fatal RTC Co. Galway 24th July 2016 – Driver & Passenger (2)
3. Fatal Traffic Collision, Co Kildare Monday 25th July 2016 – Driver (1)
4. Fatal Traffic Collision, Co. Meath 26th July 2016 – Driver (1)
5. Fatal Traffic Collision, Co. Kildare. 26/07/16 – Driver (1)
6. Fatal Traffic Collision, Co. Donegal 27th July 2016 – Driver & Passenger (2)
7. Fatal Traffic Collision – Co Donegal 28th July 2016 – three car occupants (3)
MAG Ireland, The Irish Motorcyclists’ Association
has consistently campaigned to improve safety for riders.
We know that in some 36% of injury collisions involving motorcyclists, the fault lay with another road user, typically a driver who failed to see the motorcyclist. We also know that trained motorcyclists the world over prove that, done properly, motorcycling is a fun, safe and satisfying activity. We know that without the right attitude and without the benefit of education and training motorcycling is a much more unforgiving prospect.
That is why we consistently promote the benefits of advanced post test rider training and why we consistently promote the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when riding.
We know that over the course of this bank holiday weekend thousands of motorcyclists will be on the roads. Let’s make that little bit more effort to ensure our bikes, our riding and our kit are up to scratch. Let’s make that little bit more effort to avoid the impatient drivers, the texting drivers, the distracted, drunk and just plain stupid drivers. Let’s not give them the excuse to say “Sorry mate I didn’t see you”.
Whatever you’re doing, wherever you’re going, enjoy and above all ride safe.
– A bank holiday message from MAG Ireland, the Irish Motorcyclists’ Association.