asked the Minister for Local Government the number killed in road accidents during the first four months of 1971; and what action, if any, is contemplated to help reduce death on the roads.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Deaths.
52.
According to the provisional figures issued by the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána the number of people killed on Irish roads in the first four months of 1971 was 157. As regards the second part of the Deputy's question, I would refer him to my reply of 4th February last to a somewhat similar question asked by him. The measures I mentioned on that occasion are now fully operative and, indeed, from to-day the fitting of safety belts in all new cars, station wagons and light vans is compulsory. A publicity campaign to encourage the wearing of safety belts by drivers and front seat passengers is at present in progress.
In view of the fact that the dangerous summer months with their heavy holiday traffic are now approaching, I propose to take some special steps to make the public aware of the dangers, and I hope to announce these measures very shortly.
As I have said on so many occasions, while every effort will continue to be made to keep the public informed on the matter, the safety of the individual road user will always lie mainly in his own hands, and his personal decision to exercise care, courtesy and consideration will be the greatest single contribution that can be made to road safety.