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Significant cut in drink-driving limit planned
The Government is reportedly planning to introduce a new drink-driving limit that will effectively ban motorists from getting behind the wheel after just one drink.
Reports this morning say the limit will be cut from 80mg to 50mg in the new year.
The measure is reportedly included in a new road safety strategy due to be launched by the Taoiseach on Thursday.
This morning's reports say the new limit will mean a motorist could be put off the road for driving after just one pint of beer or glass of wine.
www.Breakingnews.ie
Efforts at road accident-free night
Young drivers in seven counties are taking part in an EU initiative aimed at reducing the number of road deaths this weekend.
The European Night Without Accident wants to promote responsible behaviour behind the wheel after a night out.
Cork, Cavan, Donegal, Sligo, Louth, Monaghan and Armagh will participate in the Europe-wide initiative which is taking place in 15 European countries tonight.
Young people are being asked to designate a driver in their group who will stay drug and alcohol free for the night.
The Road Safety Authority is hoping to get all counties involved next year.
http://www.Rte.ie
NEW CROSS-BORDER ANTI-SPEEDING ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
“Speed is the biggest contributing factor to road deaths in Ireland .” (report in part, visit the RSA for full report) Excessive speed was a factor in almost 30% of road fatalities in the Republic of Ireland between 1996 and 2004 and a factor in 24% of road fatalities between 1996 and 2005 in Northern Ireland. However, evidence shows that every time human error causes a road collision it is the speed of the vehicles which determines the outcome – whether someone lives or dies, or is maimed for life. So while it is estimated that speed is directly killing an average of 141 people a year on this island. It could in fact be impacting on a total of over 500 road deaths a year on this island, making speed the biggest contributing factor to road deaths in Ireland. The new advert graphically portrays how the selfish and shameful actions of a speeding driver, wrecks the lives of countless people in a split-second. The central message being – ‘The Faster the Speed, the Bigger the Mess’. Launching the new campaign Mr. Martin Cullen T.D., Minister for Transport, said, We have all seen the carnage on our roads and in particular the number of young people who die because of excessive speeding - ruining lives, devastating families and communities. It is NOT acceptable behaviour. What is now required is a fundamental change in driver attitudes particularly amongst 17 to 25 year olds or many of them may not have a future - they will be dead as a result of a speed related collision. “Try telling a bereaved family that you were late for a meeting or you were enjoying the drive and thought you could handle the speed. Our message today is simple: combine speed with human error or the unexpected and the consequences will be tragic. We all make mistakes - when it’s your turn, what speed will you be doing?” Assistant Commissioner Eddie Rock, An Garda Síochána said, “We cannot change our past, but we can change our attitudes. We have that choice and if we embrace it, we will save lives”. Assistant Chief Constable Roy Toner said: “We are committed to making our roads safer. We are tackling the issue of speed through education and enforcement. In the first three years of the Safety Camera Scheme there has been a 41% reduction in the number of fatal or serious injury collisions on those roads that have mobile or fixed safety cameras. Research has shown clearly that the risk of a collision occurring rises as the speed at which a driver travels rises. We also know that a reduction in the incidence of serious injury and death will only come about through changing driver behaviour. As a result the end goal of the new campaign is to change driver behaviour. Achieving this goal requires a combination of education, enforcement and engineering. We are happy to play our part through this sponsorship with the Road Safety Authority.” Mr. Gay Byrne, Chairman, Road Safety Authority said “We have a blind spot when it comes to speeding in this country. We drive too fast. We just simply don’t get the fact that the faster you go the greater the impact. And the greater the chances of inflicting serious or fatal injury on ourselves or others. This new ad is trying to correct a national misunderstanding. Trying to deliver a strong dose of reality. It puts the laws of physics into plain English. The faster the speed the bigger the MESS.”
Road Safety Authority
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Save Some One Ireland research has already interested Transition year co-ordinators at a Kerry based secondary school. An exhibition DVD detailing common errors and hazards from everyday driving is at present being compiled.
For more information about the DVD come here.