Noel Dempsey
Question:29 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for the Environment if he has received reports on the reason for the increase in road fatalities in 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1907/96]
Written Answers. - Road Fatalities Increase.
Provisional returns made available by the Garda Síochána show that 437 people died, and 9,784 were injured, in road accidents in 1995.
Detailed analysis of the reports prepared by the Garda in relation to traffic accidents generally in 1995 is being undertaken by the National Roads Authority and the full results will be presented in their report, Road Accident Facts 1995, later this year.
The increase in the number of people killed and injured in road accidents in 1995 is a matter of grave concern, especially as the increase did not reflect the trend over the past few years. A preliminary analysis of fatal accidents carried out at my request by the National Roads Authority in relation to the last six months of 1995 suggests that excessive speed and drink were major contributory factors, that a significant number of young road users were killed, and that motorcyclists and pedestrians accounted for a disproportionately high percentage of deaths.
I am committed to the adoption of a new approach to road safety and, with this in mind, I am having a full assessment of road safety policy carried out; this will include an appraisal of the roles of the bodies already involved, and of the scope for more involvement by bodies at local level. I hope to be in a position to announce the results within the next two months.