Gardai and the The RSA (Road Safety Authority) have issued an appeal to exercise caution on the roads this Easter as year-to-date road deaths have almost doubled
There have been 51 road deaths in 2022, up 21 deaths on the same period in 2021.
The Gardai and RSA are appealing to all road users to slow down, wear seatbelts, not to drive when impaired, or distracted – particularly by illegally using your phone while driving or when tired.
They're also asking people to watch out for vulnerable road users.
Gardai and RSA appeal against drug driving
There will also be focus on drug driving after Garda figures for the full year 2021 saw over 3,300 arrests for this. The number of drug-driving arrests in 2022, up to March 31st, is 768.
Analysis by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) shows that cannabis and cocaine remain the most detected drugs in drivers on Irish roads.
In 2021, 57% of specimens tested for drugs contained cannabis, 31% contained cocaine and 14% were found to have benzodiazepines
Mr Sam Waide, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority, said:
We have had an appalling start to the year on our roads with over 50 lives lost. An average of 15 people have been killed each month on the road to date this year. If we continue on this path, we could end up losing 180 lives this year. Ireland is in danger of having the highest number of road fatalities in a decade. If we all act now and improve our behaviour on the road, collectively we can avoid this preventable loss of life.
Mr. Waide added, “There is a focus on drug driving over the Easter Bank Holiday. Driving under the influence of drugs can seriously affect a driver’s motor skills, and ability to control a motor vehicle on the road. If you are detected drug driving you will face a court appearance and if found guilty, a minimum driving disqualification of one year. Ask yourself is it worth the risk? Losing your licence and possibly your job.”
Road safety strategy
Ireland’s fifth government Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 aims to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50% over the next 10 years. This means reducing deaths on Ireland’s roads annually from 144 to 72 or lower and reducing serious injuries from 1,259 to 630 or lower by 2030.
The strategy is the first step in achieving the 2020 Programme for Government commitment of bringing Ireland to ‘Vision Zero’. This is to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by the year 2050.
More here on the latest news for Waterford.
