To 20 September this year, some 132 people have lost their lives on Irish roads, down 16 on the same period last year. Almost half of these deaths were drivers while 27 were pedestrians. One-third of road-users killed were aged between 16-25 years old. Statistics to date suggest this this year, road deaths could fall below 200 for the first time since records began.
Road safety activities during Irish Road Safety Week start on Monday 10 October with the RSA's Annual Lecture on Road Safety in Dublin Castle; the focus will be on young drivers aged 17-24. The Check it Fits Roadshow visits Ballina, Galway, Limerick, Maynooth and Tallaght from Saturday 8 October to Wednesday 12 October. In Galway, Limerick and Tallaght, Advance Pitstop will also offer motorists a free 5-point 'health check' on their car including tyres, brakes, shocks, lights/levels and wipers.
National Tyre Safety Day takes place on Tuesday 11 October, run by the Irish Tyre Industry Association. Free tyre checks will be available nationally at participating tyre centers, along with a free safety pack (while stocks last). Further information on www.itia.ie
The Annual 'Leading Lights in Road Safety' awards will be announced at a ceremony in Farmleigh on Wednesday 12 October, honoring the efforts by individuals and groups to promote road safety at national and community level.
Beep Beep Day is a road safety awareness day taking place on Friday 14 October in almost 1,400 pre-schools throughout the country to celebrate Irish Road Safety Week. The event is coordinated nationally by the RSA and organized locally by the County and City Childcare Committees.
European Night Without Accident will take place on Saturday 15 October. Ireland is one of 27 European countries participating. The initiative is run by young adult volunteers who encourage groups of youngsters entering night clubs to identify a 'designated driver' for the night.
