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An Garda Síochána and The Road Safety Authority (RSA) have renewed their appeal for road users to take extra care when using the roads, as provisional collision figures for 2020 show that there has been a 17% increase in the number of fatal crashes and a 9% increase in road deaths compared to last year.
The appeal comes as the Gardaí launched their Roads Policing enforcement operation for this coming June Bank Holiday weekend.
The operation will concentrate on the four ‘Lifesaver’ offences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, non-seatbelt wearing and using a mobile phone while driving.
Of concern is the number of people arrested so far this year for driving under the influence of an intoxicant; either alcohol or drugs.
60 people have been killed in 56 fatal collisions up to the 27 May 2020, compared to 55 deaths in 48 fatal collisions up to 27 May 2019.
Of great concern for both the Gardai and RSA is the doubling in pedestrian deaths this year. 18 pedestrians have been killed this year compared to 9 in 2019.
Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary, Garda National Roads Policing Unit said, “This bank holiday weekend there will be increased Garda activity and roads policing enforcement; the primary focus of this operation is to save lives and prevent serious collisions. We want people to enjoy this bank holiday weekend as best they can in difficult circumstances, but we also want every road user to act responsibly and stay safe when using the road.”
