Fears are being expressed by the Road Safety Authority that 80 more people could die by the end of this year.
Reviews indicate that between January to July 21 this year, 93 people died on the roads in 89 collisions, an increase of seven deaths and eight collisions when compared to the same period last year.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána have today published a provisional review of road fatalities so far this year. The review shows that, from January to 21 July of this year, 93 people died on our roads in 89 collisions. This is an increase of seven deaths and eight collisions when compared to the same period last year. The RSA has predicted that if the current trend continues, up to 80 more people could die before the end of the year.
Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid, An Garda Síochána, is urging people not to drink and drive.
Mr Reid said:“Nearly one third of all drivers killed between 2008 and 2012 had alcohol in their system. This is a startling and unacceptable fact, and one which urgently needs addressing. To this end, and during this high risk summer period, our members are conducting additional drink driving enforcement and educational activity. In addition, we are concentrating our activity on high risk areas, where drink drivers are likely to be found, i.e. on rural and regional roads. There has been more drink driving arrests in 2016 compared to 2015, with a significant increase in July this year compared to July 2015. It is imperative we target high risk drivers and make the roads safer for all.”
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