Sunshine, eased restrictions, and student holidays could make roads dangerous this bank holiday weekend

Road users are being urged to take extra care, as latest available figures for 2020 show a 17% increase in fatal crashes and nine per cent increase in road deaths compared to last year. Sixty 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.

The figures were reported by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána in a joint press briefing today ahead of the June Bank Holiday weekend roads policing enforcement operation.

Of great concern for both the RSA and Gardai is the doubling in pedestrian deaths this year; 18 pedestrians have been killed in 2020 compared to nine as of May 2019.

Ahead of the June bank holiday weekend Minister for Transport Shane Ross, said he was “greatly alarmed" at the rise in road deaths.

"I am appealing to all road users to please take a closer look at how you behave on the road and to take greater responsibility and practice good road safety habits. This means drivers being alert to danger and slowing down and pedestrians walking on the right-hand side of the road towards oncoming traffic if there are no footpaths.”

Good weather

Highlighting the risks over the bank holiday Mr Michael Rowland, Director of Road Safety, Driver Education and Research said “With good weather forecast this weekend the roads are going to be busy even with current travel restrictions. As has been the pattern throughout the current health crisis many people will be out walking, jogging and cycling.

"The lifting of some restrictions in Phase 1 of the government’s road map also means that more people will be driving, for example to garden centres and other locations where outdoor sports have resumed. Secondary students are also officially on their summer holidays so you can expect to see more young people walking or cycling on the road.

"Don’t forget too that it’s a busy time on farms with silage cutting so you will encounter farming machinery on the roads. So, motorists need to slow down and expect the unexpected while walkers and cyclists should be seen and use the road safely.”

Lifesaver

Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary explained the Roads Policing enforcement operation 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.

Notwithstanding the recent Covid-19 restrictions with reduced traffic on our roads and the closure of licenced premises, we have still seen 1,153 people detected for driving under the influence of an intoxicant, since the 27th March 2020.

"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.”