05/09/2016

Call For Truck Drivers To Be More Vigilant After Rise In Bridge Strikes

Ianród Éireann has appealed to truck drivers to be more vigilant and careful following a rise in the number of bridge strikes.

In 2015, there were 85 bridge strikes across the network, but this year to date alone there has been 68 bridge strikes.

DART has seen the largest increase in the number of collisions with 25 taking place this year.

Last week, two separate bridges in the Grand Canal area were hit by two different vehicles within the space of two hours, delaying trains and causing traffic mayhem. This time last year the number of incidents in the DART area was 12 bridge strikes. Despite improved signage and a downloadable map that can be accessed by anyone wishing to check bridge heights, the problem has increased.

A spokesperson from Iarnród Éireann said: "The basic intelligence and competence of drivers involved in these incidents must now be called into question. We have endeavoured to inform and educate drivers, we have advertised, we have improved our signage, we have seen prosecutions and we have introduced new technologies – the message has to get through. It is basic safety for truckers to know the height of their vehicles and the bridges on their routes."

(CD/LM)

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