Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2004
124 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the death toll on roads and the serious slippage on the already terrible 2003 figures, he has plans to review the process of investigation into road deaths and serious injury to heighten public awareness of the dreadful consequences for families and communities. [9516/04]
View answerThe increase in the number of fatalities resulting from road collisions since the start of the year is a cause of serious concern, particularly in view of the significant reduction in the number of road accidents, fatalities and serious injuries achieved in recent years.
Under the Government road safety strategy, road accident fatalities fell from 472 in 1997 to 341 in 2003, the lowest number of road deaths in almost 40 years. This reduction was achieved in a period which also witnessed very significant increases in the number of vehicles, drivers and journeys on our roads.
Against this background, and in the light of the recent increase in road accident fatalities, I am particularly anxious to ensure that we redouble our efforts to achieve further significant reductions in road accident fatalities. To this end I will shortly be publishing a detailed three year road safety strategy.
As regards the investigation of road accidents, the position is as follows. The primary immediate investigative role in relation to road accidents is vested in the Garda Síochána. Priority in such an investigation must be given to the determination of the causes of road accidents and in particular to the determination of whether a breach of the road traffic laws contributed to the occurrence. The Garda Síochána is the body empowered to make such a determination and to launch criminal proceedings against any person who the gardaí consider should be accused of the commission of an offence.
Given the pivotal role played by the gardaí in accident investigation, they are tasked with the preparation of detailed reports in relation to each accident they attend. These reports are forwarded to the National Roads Authority and subsequently to each local authority for the purpose of the establishment of accident trends and causes generally and to facilitate the carrying out of remedial works relating to road infrastructure where such action is deemed to be necessary.
The National Safety Council is mandated with responsibility for road safety education, advertising and awareness campaigns. The council has developed hard-hitting advertising campaigns targeting the key target areas of speed, drink driving and seat belt wearing. I have no immediate proposals to establish alternative arrangements for investigating road accidents.
