SPEEDING AND driver fatigue contribute to some 60 per cent of fatal traffic incidents on Irish roads, the National Roads Authority (NRA) and An Garda Síochána have said.
In a joint road safety plea ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend, they said the number of deaths on the roads had fallen by 10 per cent, or 30 fatalities, over the past 12 months, but hundreds of people were still dying needlessly on the roads because of these factors.
"Driving while fatigued is just as dangerous as drink driving," Noel Brett of the NRA said.
"Tactics such as turning up the volume on the radio and opening the window do not work. If a driver drops off for just two seconds while travelling at a speed of 100km/h the car will have travelled 55 metres. As soon as you realise you are fighting the urge to fall asleep you should stop driving, drink one or two cups of coffee and take a 15-minute nap," he said.
Mr Brett was speaking at the launch of an initiative by Topaz service stations to combat driver fatigue. Topaz says it will provide free cups of tea and coffee to motorists tomorrow, noting it expects to supply such drinks to 20,000 drivers.
Assistant Commissioner Eddie Rock of the Garda Traffic Corps said eight new mobile speed-detection units are to be deployed this weekend and that substantial members of the Traffic Corps will be manning speed and breath- testing checkpoints this weekend.
Mr Brett added that improvements in driver education and the enforcement of the rules of the road has improved driver behaviour, but he called for care as the bank holiday approaches.
"We appeal to the small number of road users engaging in killer behaviour to wake up and get the message that what we need is responsibility and for you to join the majority of motorists in doing the right thing."
As part of a separate initiative, gardaí said they would hand out road safety information cards to motorists. They said cards would be given to those in breach of speed limits, those who are stopped at checkpoints and those who fall into what gardaí called the "vulnerable road user" category of 17 to 26 years of age.
The cards are aimed at increasing awareness in respect of speed and the use of seatbelts.
SAFETY TIPS
• The Road Safety Authority recommends drivers planning to travel long distances this weekend should:
• Take frequent breaks to combat driver fatigue and never drive if you find yourself fighting tiredness at the wheel.
• If tired, drivers should get out of their car, stretch their legs and get some fresh air.
• Drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions and environment.
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
• Never drink and drive, instead appoint a designated driver or make alternative arrangements.
• Make sure seatbelts are worn in both the front and back seats of the car.
Steven Carroll
