Authorities Across Ireland Mark Day Of Remembrance For Road Deaths

Road users across Ireland are being urged to slow down in an effort to reduced the number of deaths on Ireland's roads.

In a joint call between authorities in Ireland and Northern Ireland, road-users across the island are being asked to join the international community to mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday 15 November 2015

A total of 23,752 people have been killed on roads in the Republic of Ireland since records began in 1959. 14,767 people have been killed on roads in Northern Ireland since deaths were first recorded in 1931.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, welcomed the fact that people both north and south were coming together to remember all the lives lost on the island's roads.

"Many lives have been saved and injuries prevented as a result of the collaborative work by road safety agencies on both sides of the border in recent years so it is fitting that we should come together on World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims to remember those who have tragically died on the road and to also think of their families.

"I would also like to acknowledge the great work done by those in the Emergency Services and medical professionals, on both sides of the boarder, who have to deal with the aftermath and consequences of collisions. We will be thinking of them too on Sunday and the life-saving work that they do."

Liz O'Donnell, Chairperson of the Road Safety Authority added: "We are delighted to team up with our colleagues in Northern Ireland to raise awareness of this very important day. In addition to those who have lost their lives thousands more have suffered serious, life-changing injuries.

"World Day of Remembrance reminds us how easily tragedy can happen but by making small changes to our behaviour on the roads, we can all help to prevent future tragedy. Never underestimate the role we as individuals can play in saving lives, each and every time we use the roads. Let's all work together to share the roads responsibly."

(MH/CD)