02 May 2011

April Lowest Recorded Month for Road Deaths

Public challenged to get deaths below 200 in 2011.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána have praised the public for their efforts in saving lives on our roads as April 2011 was confirmed as the safest month since records began in 1959.

Provisional figures, released by the agencies, show that nine people lost their lives on Irish roads in April. Previously the lowest monthly recorded figure was in December 2010 when ten people were killed on the roads.

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar TD acknowledged the key role played by road users: “While one death is one too many it is very important that we acknowledge the efforts of all road users in making April 2011 the safest on record. Your efforts to improve road safety, and to protect communities, have saved many lives. I would again appeal to everyone to please re-double your efforts and continue this life-saving behaviour. The new Government is absolutely committed to taking all action to save every life possible, and in this endeavour we need your commitment and support for the work of the Gardai and the RSA”.

Mr. Noel Brett, Chief Executive Officer, Road Safety Authority, said, “What has been achieved by road users in April is all the more important when you consider that we really didn’t get off to a good start this year. However, following a major public appeal road users have responded. It reflects the seismic changes that have occurred in the public’s attitudes towards road safety. For the last five years road deaths have dropped year on year. Last year a total of 213 died on our roads. This year we should all aim to get road deaths below 200. Unfortunately the number of people being killed and injured on our roads is the only way we can measure success in road safety. So I would appeal to everyone in this country to really dig deep and make a major effort to save lives on our roads this year. It’s a tough challenge, but one I know we can achieve”.

Mr. Brett added, “I am very mindful of the trauma and grief felt by the families of the nine people who died on our roads during the month of April and plead with all road users to do everything in your power to ensure that you do not inflict such unnecessary suffering and pain on your family or that of someone with whom you share the road. Please act today to change your behaviour and that of any other person within your family or circle of friends whose road behaviour is a cause of concern. A caring intervention today beats years of recrimination and regret.”

Assistant Commissioner John Twomey, An Garda Síochána, commenting on the reduction in fatalities in April said that “Undoubtedly this dramatic reduction is due in part to the public’s support for road safety and we thank the public for their diligence and support. I would appeal to the public to please continue to heed the advice of An Garda Síochána and the RSA and to continue to respect our roads. With a concerted effort we have a real opportunity of getting our fatality numbers even lower in 2011. It behoves all of us as citizens to embrace the national effort to get our road fatalities below 200 in 2011. If we all keep doing what we did in April that is a very real and achievable prospect”.

The Assistant Commissioner concluded by saying, “As we head into the Month of May I remind you that last May was the second worst month for road deaths in 2010 with 28 fatalities. Please redouble your efforts and lets work to ensure that more families are spared that dreaded knock on the door and that shattering news that one split second on our roads can bring”.

A total of 66 people have died on the roads to date in 2011 with April recording a record low of 9 fatalities.

Ends

For further information, please contact:
Brian Farrell, Road Safety Authority: 096 25008
Garda Press Office: 01 666 2032 / pressoffice@garda.ie

Table 1. Monthly breakdown of fatalities 2011 compared to 2010.

Month	2010	2011
January	15	22
Febraury	14	19
March	12	16
April	19	9
Total	60	66