18 November 2010
World Remembers Victims of Road Crashes
22,882 Lives Lost Since Records Began
22,882 people have lost their lives on Irish roads to date (17 November 2010) since records began. These shocking figures were revealed today as the Road Safety Authority (RSA) asked people nationwide to remember the victims of road crashes on ‘World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims’ on Sunday 21st November.
The RSA will be joining forces with members of An Garda Síochána, Road Safety Officers, Emergency Services and PARC Road Safety Group to mark the day and remember those who have died on our roads at services which will be held across the country.
Mr Noel Dempsey T.D, Minister for Transport said: “This Sunday gives all of us an opportunity to remember each and every person who has lost their lives on our roads. In over 50 years, 22,882 people have died in tragic circumstances on Irish roads and their families, friends and communities continue to live with this grief every day of their lives. 22,882 is a staggering number of lives lost but the reality is that even one road death is too many. On ‘World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims’, please remember these people and their loved ones, and let’s remind ourselves of how precious life is and how vulnerable we all are each and every day we use the roads.”
Mr Gay Byrne, Chairman, Road Safety Authority urged people to remember the victims of road tragedies and think about their own behaviour on the roads: “’World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims’ gives us an opportunity to remember those who have died on our roads and the families, friends and communities who have been devastated by their loss. But it also reminds us of just how vulnerable we all are on the roads. In a split second, everything can change - that’s all it takes for tragedies to happen on our roads. It is up to each and every one of us to do as much as we can to ensure we make the right decisions when we are using the roads.”
“Shockingly, it is estimated that another 50 lives will be lost before the year is out. So on ‘World Remembrance Day’, remember not only the people who have died on our roads, but the other preventable tragedies that will happen before the end of the year. And then ask yourself, what can I do to make sure that fewer families are grieving for their loved ones this Christmas.”
Assistant Commissioner John Twomey, An Garda Síochána said: “This Sunday gives all of us an opportunity to reflect on our own behaviour on the roads by remembering those who have died in road collisions. An Garda Síochána is committed to working with all the agencies, groups and individuals involved in road safety so that tragedies can be prevented and fewer families have to suffer the devastating consequences of road collisions.”
Ms Susan Gray, PARC Road Safety Group: “’World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims’ is a very important occasion that allows us to remember each and every person who has died or been seriously injured on the nation’s roads. On Sunday 21st November, I would urge people around the country to remember those who have died in road collisions or who continue to need support and care for serious injuries, and think about what we can do, as individuals, to keep our roads free from further carnage.”
Activity is taking place around the country to mark ‘World Remembrance Day for Road Traffic Victims’ which has been organised by the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána, Local Road Safety Officers and PARC. Services will be held in at Knock, Letterkenny, Drogheda, Cork, Killarney and Limerick to mark ‘World Remembrance Day’.
List of activity taking place nationwide(.pdf)
Further information on what is happening in your county is available on www.rsa.ie
For further information, please contact: RSA Press Office: 096 25008