Tag Archives: Road Safety Authority

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is advising all road users today (Monday) to take extreme care when using the roads, as Met Éireann has issued an Orange Weather Warning for strong winds until midnight tonight in counties Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick. Southwest to west winds will reach mean speeds between 65 and 80 km/h with gusts between 110 and 130 km/h throughout the day. Winds will peak during this afternoon and evening and will be at their strongest along the coasts. For advice on severe weather driving tips see severe weather advice on the RSA website or check out the RSA Facebook and Twitter pages. For more weather updates visit Met Eireann’s website www.met.ie

THE Road Safety Authority and gardaí are cautioning drivers about the the danger of ‘sun glare’, which results in drivers being temporarily dazzled or blinded by the intensity and brightness of a low sun. The appeal comes as provisional crash reports indicate that drivers being temporarily blinded by ‘sun glare’ may have been a contributory factor in five fatalities and nine serious injuries between 2014 and 2015. Moyagh Murdock, CEO, RSA said, “Because, at this time of the year, the sun sits so low in the sky, late in the morning and early evening, corresponding with the main commuting times, the sun visor on the car isn’t really much help at all. If a driver is driving straight into such a sun he or she can be completely dazzled by the sheer intensity and brightness of its rays. The situation is made worse if the windscreen is dirty or greasy or if it’s been raining, or the ground is covered …

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), has today (Monday) issued a reminder to all road users to continue to exercise caution when using the roads. Even though weather conditions have improved, road conditions in parts of the country are still hazardous due to the continued presence of flooding on roads. There is also the added danger posed by storm damaged road surfaces and gravel / stones deposited by surface water, especially on regional roads. The RSA advises the following: Driver behaviour needs to match the road conditions on roads. Debris deposited by the recent rainwater (surface run off) and wet roads will reduce grip so drivers are asked to slow down and increase braking distances, by leaving a bigger gap between vehicles. DO NOT attempt to drive through flooded roads as stranded cars are causing obstruction and a hazard in some locations. Pay attention to any advice or signage that either the local authorities or the gardaí have in place for road closures …

A provisional review of road fatalities for 2015 shows that as of December 22 there have been 154 deaths, following 148 fatal collisions on Irish roads. This represents 37 fewer deaths (-19%) and 29 fewer fatal crashes compared to the same period in 2014. Commenting on the provisional review, published by the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, said,“While every death is one too many, the progress we are making in reducing the number of fatalities on our roads is encouraging. It is estimated, however, that a further eight people may die over the Christmas period, further highlighting the fact that the opportunity is there for each and every one of us to prevent this from happening by making good choices whether we are out walking, cycling, biking or driving. “But not only can we save more lives we also have the possibility of making 2015 the safest year on our …

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has renewed its appeal to users to take extra care on the roads as Met Éireann have issued an ORANGE weather warning for counties Clare, Kerry and Cork. Prolonged falls of very heavy is rain expected overnight today (Friday) and during Saturday, with totals of 30 to 50mm, larger totals on higher ground. Further flooding is expected. The poor weather will create potentially hazardous conditions for road users. As such the RSA is advising drivers that; It takes longer to stop a vehicle on wet roads so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, 4 seconds at a minimum (use the 2 second rule and repeat it twice). Take special care when driving behind trucks or buses as they generate a considerable amount of spray which reduces your visibility. Watch out for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are advised to be seen. Wear bright …

To coincide with the October Bank Holiday, gardaí and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are making a special appeal to drivers and passengers to ensure they use a safety belt at all times. A review of fixed charge notices issued for this offence so far in 2015 reveals that the 20-39 age groups are the ones that are failing most to use the most basic form of road safety – the safety belt. More than half (56%) of all fixed charge notices were issued to people aged 20-39. In addition, concern is also being expressed over the number of fatal incidents where it has been found that the driver or passenger had not been wearing a safety belt at the time of the collision. No safety belt was worn at the time of collision for one in three of the driver or passenger road deaths so far in 2015, significantly higher than in previous years. Nearly half of these (48%) …

An Garda Síochána will conduct an intensive national speed enforcement operation for a 24 hour period, starting at 7am on Friday. This national “Slow Down” day, is supported by the Road Safety Authority and other stakeholders. The objective of operation “Slow Down” is to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads. The aim is to get drivers to slow down by reminding them of the dangers of speeding, increasing compliance with speed limits and acting as a deterrent to driving at excessive and inappropriate speed. Last year saw another increase in road deaths, resulting in 195 fatalities. Excessive or inappropriate speed is a major contributory factor to road traffic collisions. 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 2% reduction in minor injury collisions, …

With schools set to open next week, the Road Safety Authority and ESB Networks have urged parents, guardians and teachers to make road safety a priority for children. Three children aged 14 and under have died in the first eight months of the year on Irish roads. In 2014, 13 children lost their lives, so while the number of child casualties so far this year has reduced significantly, one young life lost is too many. Of the children who died on our roads this year, two were pedestrians, and one was a car passenger. Between 2010 -2014, there have been 36 fatalities of children aged 14 years and under. RSA and ESB Networks have teamed up to distribute 85,500 high visibility vests free to every child starting school this year. Schools can now register online for the RSA’s ‘Back to School’ road safety packs which will be sent to primary schools nationwide over the coming months. As part of their …