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[PR] 93 Lives Saved Since Introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Testing

20-07-2007 5:02pm

#1

Victor

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93 Lives Saved Since Introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Testing
Friday July 21st 2007

One year after the introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) on the 21st of July 2006 the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has released figures that show 93 lives have been saved. They also show that there has been a drop in road deaths in 11 of the last 12 months. Overall this represents a 22% decline in road deaths since the introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Testing compared to the previous twelve month period.

“While one death on our roads is one death too many, this reduction in the death toll on our roads is welcome news and brings us close to 2003 levels – the safest year on Irish roads in over 40 years,” explained Noel Brett, Chief Executive, RSA.

“Mandatory Alcohol Testing, a doubling of the penalties for drink driving and other serious road traffic offences and awareness-raising campaigns have played a significant part in this reduction along with the outstanding enforcement work of the Gardaí. Drivers who have voluntarily changed their behaviour are to be congratulated your choice not to drink and drive is saving lives. For those who persist in drinking and driving the message is simple, it’s not a question of if but when you will get caught drinking and driving and lose your licence.”

The new figures also indicate that over 700 people have possibly avoided being seriously or permanently injured. For each fatality on the roads approximately 8 people suffer serious injuries.

Decreases in road deaths also benefit the economy. The cost of a fatal collision is estimated at €2,280,000*.

Therefore, 93 road fatalities prevented may have resulted in a financial saving of €212 million.

Sounding a note of caution Mr. Brett concluded that the next six months will be a challenge, “we must not squander the gains we have achieved in the last 12 months. We have got to sustain the level of road safety we have achieved and do better. So I would appeal to all drivers to keep up the good behaviour and never, ever drink and drive.”

Alcohol is a significant factor in a large number of fatal crashes. This was borne out by research conducted on behalf of the RSA by Dr. Declan Bedford, Specialist in Public Health Medicine with the Health Service Executive which found that:

Ø Alcohol was a factor in 36.5% of fatal crashes.
Ø Driver/rider alcohol was a factor in 28% of fatal crashes.
Ø In 62% of single-vehicle, single-occupant fatal crashes, driver alcohol was a factor.
Ø In 24% of fatal crashes the driver/rider was above the legal limit.
Ø Pedestrian alcohol was a factor in 38% of fatal pedestrian road crashes.

A total of 189 people have lost their lives on Irish roads to the 20th July 2007. This compares to 229 lives lost to the same date last year representing a drop of 40 deaths.

ENDS

Source: An Garda Síochána provisional figures

*Cost Benefit Parameters and Application Rules for Transport Project Appraisal: Rationale and Calculation Methodology August 2004, Goodbody Economic Consultants and Atkins

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