Road deaths and serious injuries have dropped by 78 per cent in Waterford city between 1997 and 2007, a new report has revealed. | Photo: Gavin Downey
This makes Dublin Europe’s safest motoring city – probably due to gridlock more than anything intentionally enforced.
While Dublin tops the EU capital city grouping, Waterford topped the domestic table, with a 78 per cent reduction in persons killed or seriously injured in the surveyed decade.
“I am delighted that Dublin has been identified as the best capital city in Europe for reducing road deaths and urge all road-users to make sure that this great momentum continues,” said RSA Chairman Gay Byrne.
“The fact that Irish cities are becoming safer places for road users is encouraging news. It has come about because most of us have all made a conscious effort to change our behaviour and that has resulted in lives saved and injuries prevented.
“I would however sound just one note of caution – there is still much work to be done and we simply cannot afford to be complacent.”
Added Mr Byrne: “Brave decisions were taken in the past such as the introduction of penalty points, mandatory alcohol testing, quality bus corridors, driver licensing reforms to name but a few.
“Not always popular at the start these measures have however saved hundreds of lives and will continue to do so into the future.
“The current government Road Safety Strategy contains 126 life saving actions and if all are introduced in full and on time Ireland will save a further 400 lives. If they are not implemented in full and on time lives will be lost. No room for complacency; no room for avoiding tough decisions.”
So all in all, good news, considering this is Irish Road Safety Week.
“Our politicians can provide the leadership and legislation, our agencies can play their part but ultimately what is required is personal responsibility, a sense of citizenship; personal actions by you and me as individuals,” said Gay Byrne.
A copy of both the ETSC and RSA reports can be downloaded from www.rsa.ie
