Drop Down Menu
  Search...
 
  Business Directory Ad  

 

Pedestrian deaths double in 2020 07.05.20

AN Garda Síochána and The Road Safety Authority (RSA) have expressed concern at the number of drivers being detected driving at excessive speed and at a doubling in the number of pedestrian deaths to date this year.
Sixteen pedestrians have been killed up to the 29 April 2020, compared to eight pedestrian deaths up to the same period in 2019. Six pedestrians alone have died since the schools were closed in the middle of March.
Sixteen pedestrians have been killed on our roads up to the 29 April 2020.
Pedestrians are being reminded of the Rules of the Road when out walking. This includes using a footpath where one is provided. Where there is no footpath you must walk as near as possible to the right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic. Pedestrians should ensure they are visible to other users, cyclists and vehicles, especially when walking in the early morning and late evening. They are also being advised to always assume that they will encounter traffic on the road regardless of the current restrictions on travel.
The authorities have also expressed serious concern at the number of drivers who, despite the reduced amount of traffic on the road, are speeding. Some drivers have been detected speeding through streets with 50km/h limits at what can only be described as motorway speeds. Drivers are being urged to slow down and expect to encounter more pedestrians and cyclists than normal on your journey.
Chief Superintendent, Paul Cleary, An Garda Síochána, said, "Gardaí will be performing an increased number of high visibility checkpoints over the coming days. Despite the reduced amount of traffic on our roads at this time, we still have concerns for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, and we would appeal to motorists to reduce their speed.”
He added that, "Although there is a substantial reduction in traffic volumes, some drivers are driving at extreme speed whilst the roads are quieter; for example a driver was recently arrested after travelling at 202km/h on the M1 motorway, this is completely irresponsible and a danger to all road users.”
"Gardaí remain concerned at the increase in detections of drivers under the influence of an intoxicant, and we are appealing to drivers not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. With the increased amount of Garda checkpoints, there is a greater possibility of detection and prosecution", he concluded.
A total of 54 people have died on the roads so far in 2020, seven more than last year. This means that there has not been a significant reduction in road deaths, which might have been expected given reduced traffic volumes. Since schools were closed on Friday 13 March 2020 and up to 29 April 2020, there have been 17 road traffic fatalities. This compares to 18 fatalities over the same period last year.
Add to Favorites :: Return to > Top Stories    > News    > Home