October Bank Holiday weekend 2013 Road Safety Message

·        Overall 6% (8,237) of detections were made between 1 – 9 km/h above the posted speed limit.

·        The vast majority of detections, 80% (111,044) were made between 10 and 29 km/h above the posted speed limit. 

·        14%, (19,302) of detections were for speeds in excess of 30 km/h above the limit. 1172 detections were for speeds in excess of 50 km/h above the limit
 

Further examination also found that in higher speed limits zones, offending motorists are more likely to be detected at higher speeds.

From 21st October- 3rd November 2013 inclusive, each Garda Division will carry out a series of targeted, high visibility checkpoints focussing on speeding and roads policing enforcement. These will incorporate both Divisional and District personnel, including Traffic Corps members. Each checkpoint will last for 1 hour. This high visibility enforcement activity aims to modify driver behaviour, identify breaches of all road traffic legislation and make the roads safer for all.
 

Chief Superintendent Michael O’ Sullivan, Garda National Traffic Bureau, speaking today said:-
 

"Firstly I would like to thank the majority of those who travel within the speed limits. It is however, disappointing that some continue to be detected at a considerably higher speed than is legally permitted. There are drivers out there sharing the road with you and I that have been intercepted travelling at speeds in excess of 200 km/h or in other cases three and even four times the posted limit. This is totally unacceptable in every sense. (*See attached Regional "worst offender” list). Every driver or rider, and indeed every road user, must always take personal responsibility for how they act on the road. Excessive or inappropriate speed is a major contributory factor in road traffic collisions. For the next 2 weeks, An Garda Síochána will intensively target those who believe they can act irresponsibly. This high risk behaviour needs to change.”

 
In addition, a National "Slow Down” day will take place from 7am on Friday 25th October to 7am on Saturday 26th October in conjunction with partner stakeholders.  The objectives of this initiative are to raise awareness of the dangers of inappropriate and excessive speed, reduce the number of speed related collisions, and therefore save lives and reduce injuries on our roads throughout the October Bank Holiday period.

 
In relation to the upcoming Bank Holiday period, Chief Superintendent O’ Sullivan added:-
 

"Many people will take to the roads over the Bank Holiday period, especially with the schools on mid term break. It is now colder, wetter, and darker for longer. Our appeal to the public is to take their time on the roads and do everything they can to increase their, and others safety, no matter how long or short the journey is. Reducing speed saves lives; there is no doubt about that. Tragically an additional 13 people have lost their lives on Irish roads so far in 2013, compared to this date last year. We all need to work harder to reduce the number and severity of road traffic collisions – let’s start by supporting the National "Slow Down” day this Friday and making the October Bank Holiday period a safe one.”
 

Mr. John Caulfield, Interim CEO, Road Safety Authority said "Inappropriate or excessive speed continues to play the biggest role in causing collisions in this country. The faster a vehicle travels the greater the risk of a crash and the greater the severity of the crash. This is simply the laws of physics. My message this Bank Holiday weekend is to please slow down. It’s not worth the risk of getting a fine, points on your licence, or worse. If you are driving this coming weekend, set off early to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and don’t forget to take a break if it’s a long journey to avoid fighting tiredness at the wheel.”
 

Minister Varadkar said: "Last year was the safest on record for road deaths. Regrettably, numbers have risen again this year, so this is a very timely initiative by the Gardaí and the RSA which sends out a clear message that everyone can make a difference. Speed is the single biggest factor in road deaths, and bank holiday weekends are the most high risk periods to use the roads. If we all slow down we can save more lives between now and the end of the year.”
 

Note 
 

These initiatives aim to raise general awareness of speeding and will encourage drivers to reduce speed at all times. A small reduction in speed will save lives. We are notifying the public that Garda speed detection and enforcement activity will be intense. We are asking drivers to respond by strictly keeping to the speed limits and reducing their speed in adverse road, weather or traffic conditions. 
 

Road Deaths by Day of Week – 2013 to date