Road deaths halved on Offaly and Laois
ROAD fatalities on roads in Laois/Offaly were halved in 2009, latest figures released for the year have shown. Eight people lost their lives on roads in the Laois/Offaly Garda Division in that year, a dramatic decrease on the 16 people who perished on the roads in the two counties in 2008.
Garda Inspector Martin Cashin said it was the lowest number of fatalities on record for the two counties but stressed that despite the success, they couldn't be complacent.
He said the dramatic reduction in road deaths in the division was a testament to the garda road safety strategy and its enforcement.
"We have to give the public due recognition. If they don't respond to our enforcement and best advice then we are not going to achieve as much," he said.
There has been a noticeable decrease in speeding and also drink-driving offences, Inspector Cashin said. However, he added that the one area where significant improvement is needed is in getting the message across to young males between the ages of 16 and 25 on speeding and appropriate driving.
"Looking back over the last year, by far the highest number of fatalities of drivers are in that age bracket," he said.
Statistically, Sunday is also the most dangerous day for drivers when the possibility of an accident is far higher. This was put down to people's guard being lowered somewhat on what is traditionally a day off, with a large number of people out for a Sunday drive with their family.
Inspector Cashin said it is also a day when a large number of people are travelling to sports events and may be in a hurry. He urged people to continue to be responsible on roads, seven days a week. "No matter what day of the week it is, people need to plan ahead and be aware of other people on the road. If people are going to matches then they need to give themselves plenty of time to make their deadline," he said.
He reminded drivers that they can still face wintry conditions at this time of the year, which was borne out by icy conditions over the weekend and earlier in the week.
Despite the positive trend of a reduction of road deaths, the first fatality on Laois' roads took place over the weekend when a 26-year-old died on the M7 motorway, at the Killenard junction at Cappakeel.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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