Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Nov 1991

Vol. 413 No. 6

Written Answers. - Road Traffic Accidents.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

48 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any plans, including a public information/publicity programme, to alleviate the most predominant causes of road traffic accidents involving children; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Dr. O'Hanlon)

Road safety policy involves action on a number of fronts, including the maintenance of an appropriate statutory framework, enforcement, research, infrastructural development, promotional campaigns and education. The immediate aim of that policy is to achieve a reduction in road-related deaths and injuries.

A major road safety campaign was launched in September 1990. Its success to date can be judged by the fact that provisional statistics for the first nine months of 1991 show that road deaths have fallen by over 13 per cent as compared to the same period in 1990. The overall campaign places particular emphasis on the safety of children and this is reflected in the awareness aspect of the campaign. This is the responsibility of the National Safety Council whose programme for the campaign included the launch of a special road safety video aimed at young people.

I hope to be in a position to make an announcement about the continuation of the road safety campaign in the near future.