NINE people have lost
their lives on Donegal roads so far this year out of
a national total of 148, new figures show.
The statistics which show an national increase of 17
compared to the same period in 2012, were described
as "extremely worrying" by Jim Higgins MEP.
“In (Donegal's) neighbouring border counties, the
figure in the Cavan-Monaghan division stands at 10.
A further five road deaths have been recorded in
Sligo-Leitrim division so far this year," he said.
“Of course, one road death is one too many. To see
the overall figures increasing in 2013 is extremely
worrying, especially after a successful road safety
campaign in Ireland which has resulted in a
continuous reduction in fatal road accidents in
recent years,” said Mr Higgins, Ireland’s member of
the European Parliament Transport Committee.
He said there had been a 56 per cent decrease in
road deaths since the beginning of 2007, while the
total number of injuries has also been halved.
"In 2002, 376 fatal road accidents occurred on Irish
roads. By 2012, that figure was reduced to 161.
"Last year was the safest ever year on Irish roads,
thanks to the work of the Road Safety Authority, the
Gardai and road users," he said.
Addressing road users specifically, the Fine Gael
MEP added: “It is everyone’s responsibility to take
care on the roads, slow down and pay attention. The
rules of the road, the speed checks and so on are
there for your own protection – to save your life
and that of your passengers and others.” |
