Police Launch Xmas Road Safety Campaign

Garda and the Road Safety Authority are on Friday launching their road safety campaign for the Christmas and New Year Period, in an effort to keep Irish road deaths falling.

In a joint statement Garda and the RSA said they were focusing on ridding the roads of drivers taking to their vehicles under the influence of alcohol and drugs, of speeding and non wearing of safety belts.

Assistant Commissioner Twomey, said he wanted to also take the opportunity to remind drivers of the reduced Drink Drive limits introduced over the October Bank Holiday weekend.

However, Garda Síochána also said it applauded the efforts being made by drivers to change behaviour, as the number of deaths on Irish roads continues to fall.

Referring to the number of people killed on the roads this year, Assistant Commissioner Twomey said: "To date this year, 175 people have been killed on our roads in 162 collisions. Many more have suffered life-changing injuries. This represents a further significant reduction in Road Traffic Fatalities, down 30 on this date last year.

Garda also wanted to remind drivers that despite the continuing improvement, every single death had a devastating impact on family, friends and the local community and all had a continuing role to play in further reducing road deaths.

Mr Noel Brett Chief Executive Officer of the RSA said it was "an amazing story" that there were 30 fewer people dead than this time last year, representing a "changing culture" by drivers.

"I congratulate and applaud Irish Road users for their behaviour on our roads this year. Small changes in behaviour and taking personal responsibility saves lives and will continue to do so.

"Over the next two weeks people will be travelling on our roads to join friends and family for Christmas and the New Year. I want to appeal to them to take care on the roads and ensure they arrive at their destinations safely. It is important that drivers slow down, don’t drink and drive and wear their seat belts.”

(DW)