National ‘Slow Down' Day

An Garda Síochána will conduct a national speed enforcement operation ‘Slow Down’, supported by the Road Safety Authority and other stakeholders for a 24-hour period from 7am on Friday May 26.

In terms of road safety, 2015 was the joint lowest on record with 162 road deaths.

There was, however, a marked increase in road deaths in 2016, resulting in 188 road deaths.

Excessive and inappropriate speed is a major contributory factor in road traffic collisions, confirmed by the recent RSA report on fatal collisions between 2008 and 2102, which found that excessive speed was a contributory factor in one third of all fatal collisions during that time.

The higher the speed, the greater the likelihood is of a collision happening and the more severe the outcome of that collision.

As a general rule a 1% reduction in average speed will bring about a 4% reduction in fatal collisions, and this is why reducing motorists’ speed is essential to improving road safety.

The objective is to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on the roads.

The aim of ‘Slow Down’ is to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding, increase compliance with speed limits and act as a deterrent to driving at excessive and inappropriate speed.

The operation will consist of high visibility speed enforcement activities as well as the delivery of a road safety message through the use of national and local media.

In addition, Garda personnel will man display stands in key venues to provide road safety advice and distribute road safety leaflets.

Drivers are also asked to turn dipped headlamps on to show support and increase their visibility.

SOURCE: westmeathcoco.ie