It has been revealed that the number of road deaths in Ireland has decreased.
133 people have lost their lives on Irish roads this year, however, the figures are considerably lower than they were in 2016. The number of road deaths in Ireland has fallen by 33.
It is believed that nearly 50 percent of all driver deaths occur on regional and local roads.
The figures have been shared ahead of the 11th World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. Today, in honour of World Day of Remembrance commemorations will take place around the globe to remember road traffic victims.
The Road Safety Authority tweeted, “Today on World Day of Remembrance, we remember all of those who have lost their lives and been injured on our roads. We also remember those affected by this loss as we keep them in our thoughts. #WDoR2017.”
World Day Of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is launched to remember victims of road traffic collisions. 24,103 people have been killed and 79,761 seriously injured on Irish roads since recording began. See a list of events and memorial services here: https://t.co/JvD28mFW8Q pic.twitter.com/GwbSaEj8Ej
— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) November 16, 2017
They have asked the public to keep the families of the victims in their thoughts, “Road traffic deaths are counted in the year they occur, a family remains bereaved forever. The bereaved are not counted or included in road traffic injury data.”
They added, “Many people remain deeply affected by the loss of a friend, colleague, neighbour or member of the community.”
The RSA stated that the emergency services are deeply affected by road traffic collisions too, “The effect on the emergency services, whose work involves facing the consequences of crashes on a daily basis, is also profound.”
Numerous ceremonies are set to take place in Ireland, where families will gather together to remember the loved ones they lost. They hope to raise awareness about the importance of road safety.
Donna Price of the Irish Road Victims Association believes that these events will help support families.
One way of marking "World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims" is to attend a memorial service. See a list of events here: https://t.co/79muoy1atw. #WDoR2017 pic.twitter.com/9fuNyRmrvJ
— RSA Ireland (@RSAIreland) November 19, 2017
She told The Journal, “There is some weird comfort and consolation in coming together and knowing that you’re not on your own.”
She stressed the importance of families raising awareness, “When they see real people behind those numbers, I think it helps it hit home and realise how easy this devastation can reach any families- I didn’t think it would reach my door.”
The Road Safety Authority hope today’s event will urge drivers to be safer on the roads, especially as winter approaches.
They are asking the public to be more responsible when travelling on our roads. They have urged people to obey the speed limits and to never use a mobile phone when driving.
It is vital that drivers and their passengers wear seatbelts when travelling.
There are numerous memorial services taking place around Ireland today, for more information click here.
