08 June 2010
Don't leave road safety in the airport
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging people who are considering travelling abroad over the coming months not to leave road safety in the airport. This comes as figures obtained from the Department of Foreign Affairs indicate that up to 240 Irish citizens died while abroad in 2009, an increase of 20% on 2008 figures. A number of these were as a result of road collisions. Further research indicates that 12 Irish people alone have been killed in road crashes in Australia since 2007.
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) predicts that up to 100,000 people will emigrate from Ireland in 2010 and 2011. Last year, the number of Irish people who got a one-year working-holiday visa to Australia rose by a third to 22,788. Many third-level students across Ireland are also planning to travel abroad for the summer months. The RSA is reminding anyone who is planning to visit or emigrate to another country that road safety should remain a priority, regardless of what country they are in.
Ms Audrey Duncan, mother of Kiara Duncan who was tragically killed in a car crash in Perth, Australia in November 2007, told of her how life changed in a split second: “Kiara had just finished college and had headed off to Australia with her best friend. She was loving it there. On 31st October, I received the phonecall that changed my life. My Kiara had been involved in a car crash and was on life support. She had been in Australia for just six months. In a split second, my life changed.”
“Kiara died on 3rd November, this bubbly girl who had time for everybody, my beautiful daughter who everyone remembered when they met her. When Kiara’s life ended, most of my life did too. It’s the nightmare you never wake up from and I hope that no other family has to go through what I go through, every minute of every day. Road crashes don’t just happen here in Ireland, they can happen anywhere and to anyone. Just because your mam and dad aren’t with you, doesn’t mean you should stop thinking about road safety.”
The RSA is asking anyone who is planning to travel over the coming months to be aware of the risks associated with driving in an unfamiliar country and familiarise themselves with the law in other countries. Mr Noel Brett, Chief Executive, RSA said: “Our message to anyone who may be travelling abroad, either for a short holiday or a longer trip, is to be safe on the roads wherever you are. It’s an exciting time, embarking on a trip with your friends or family so please don’t let tragedy come in the way of your adventure. Don’t take advantage of the law just because you’re abroad. Road deaths happen everywhere but they can be prevented with the right behaviour.”
Ms Ann Campbell, whose son Iain died in a car crash in South Africa in 1996, urged young people who are considering travelling to think of the consequences of their actions: “Iain was my youngest son and he had everything going for him. At 2am on a Saturday morning 14 years ago, Iain and his friend were coming home from a nightclub. They came over a hill and collided with an articulated truck. Iain was just 19 years of age when he died.”
“People ask me how I cope – I don’t think I do. It’s hard to know what’s normal anymore. After Iain died, I would see parents and their children in the park and I’d think, they don’t realise how lucky they are to be a whole family. So please, if you are going travelling this year, think of me and my son Iain. Remember your friends and family back home – they don’t want to get the same call that I did. You can still have fun while you are travelling but don’t leave road safety at the airport.”
The RSA is advising anyone who is considering travelling abroad as a driver, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian, to familiarise themselves with the rules of the road of the country they are visiting. Mr Noel Brett, RSA advises: “Don’t get into the car after a long flight. You will be tired and jet-lagged and the risk of falling asleep at the wheel is significantly increased. Be aware of the laws concerning seatbelt wearing and speeding and remember that although a level of alcohol while driving may be permitted in other countries, our advice is to never ever drink and drive. This is even more important when you are driving in an unfamiliar country where the penalties for not adhering to the law could be very serious.”
The RSA has the following advice for anyone planning to drive in another country:
- Familiarise yourself with the rules of the road of the country you will be visiting;
- Don’t drive after a long flight when the risk of falling asleep at the wheel will be significantly higher;
- Make sure your driving licence is valid for the country you are visiting. Some countries may require an international driving licence;
- Know the law of the country you will be visiting as the penalties for road traffic offences could be more serious;
- Don’t carry more passengers than the vehicle allows;
- If you buy a vehicle while abroad, make sure you know the history of the vehicle, ensure it has the equivalent to the Irish NCT, has seatbelts fitted for every passenger and ensure that every passenger wears them;
- Never ever drink and drive, regardless of the law
For further information on road safety abroad, visit the Department of Foreign Affairs website at www.dfa.ie. For information on the rules of the road in other countries, visit their respective websites.
ENDS
For further information: RSA Communications Office: 096 25008