Vol. 478 No. 5
108 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the total number of deaths owing to road traffic accidents in each of the past three years and in 1997 to date in each Garda divisional area; and the measures, if any, she will introduce to reduce the frequency of such fatal accidens. [11643/97]
The information sought by the Deputy in regard to the total number of deaths owing to road traffic accidents is set out in the following tabular statement.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the enforcement of road traffic legislation is given a high priority by the Garda with a view to keeping the number of accidents and deaths on our roads to a minimum. A traffic corps whose main duty is the enforcement of such legislation operates in each Garda division in addition to all other members on ordinary duty.
I have been assured by the Garda authorities that special enforcement campaigns are carried out by them throughout the year and not just at Christmas and during the summer holiday season. Also, the Garda mount regular checkpoints in every division.
I have been further assured by the Garda authorities that areas of the country which have a high incidence of accidents are targeted by the Garda for special attention.
I have ensured that the Garda traffic corps is equipped with modern cars and the most sophisticated speed detection equipment available, including video and radar speed guns, as well as the Gatso radar video computer speed detection system.
In addition, the Garda fully co-operate with the National Safety Council in its efforts to promote road safety. They also assist local authorities in their endeavours to make the roads safer by drawing to their attention areas where accidents occur and which may need attention.
There is, of course, an obligation on all drivers to comply with the requirements on the Road Traffic Acts and to drive in a safe and careful manner.
|
Garda Division |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
Jan-Mar 1997 |
|
Carlow/Kildare |
27 |
29 |
44 |
9 |
|
Cavan/Monaghan |
21 |
23 |
14 |
6 |
|
Clare |
13 |
17 |
10 |
2 |
|
Cork East |
27 |
21 |
23 |
8 |
|
Cork West |
16 |
20 |
15 |
5 |
|
Donegal |
17 |
18 |
22 |
7 |
|
D.M.A. |
69 |
69 |
75 |
19 |
|
Galway West |
17 |
24 |
30 |
4 |
|
Kerry |
17 |
22 |
13 |
2 |
|
Laois/Offaly |
14 |
13 |
17 |
4 |
|
Limerick |
12 |
23 |
24 |
4 |
|
Longford/Westmeath |
21 |
23 |
15 |
4 |
|
Louth/Meath |
47 |
44 |
45 |
8 |
|
Mayo |
21 |
16 |
17 |
2 |
|
Roscommon |
11 |
19 |
18 |
2 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
5 |
8 |
4 |
2 |
|
Tipperary |
12 |
10 |
21 |
6 |
|
Waterford/Kilkenny |
19 |
18 |
21 |
3 |
|
Wexford |
18 |
20 |
27 |
5 |
|
Totals |
404 |
437 |
455 |
102 |
