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Road Safety.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2004

Tuesday, 16 November 2004

Questions (157)

Tony Gregory

Question:

213 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Transport if a survey or study of road accidents involving heavy vehicles, trucks and so on will be commissioned by him, in view of the very high incidence of fatalities in road accidents involving lorries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28558/04]

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Written answers

Statistics relating to road accidents, based on information provided by the Garda Síochána, are published by the National Roads Authority in their annual road accident facts reports. The most recent report is in respect of 2002 and that report, along with reports relating to previous years, are available in the Oireachtas library.

The road accident facts reports contain details of the number of accidents where goods vehicles were involved. Provisional figures for 2003 indicate that 336 road deaths occurred during that year. A breakdown of the number of traffic accident fatalities in 2003, involving goods vehicles, is not yet fully analysed and authenticated. Details will be set out in the Road Accident Facts, 2003, which will be published by the National Roads Authority in the near future. In 2002, there were 346 fatal accidents and 376 fatalities. Goods vehicles were involved in 50 fatal accidents. In 2002, goods vehicles comprised 12.5% of the vehicle fleet and were involved in 14% of fatal accidents. An NRA study relating to the number of vehicle kilometres of travel in Ireland in 2001 indicate that the average number of kilometres travelled by goods vehicles is significantly higher than other vehicle types. There is no evidence therefore that heavy goods vehicles are disproportionately involved in road collisions. It is unfortunately the case, however, that the consequences resulting from a collision with a heavy goods vehicle are generally more severe than with a smaller type of vehicle.

The primary immediate investigative role in relation to road accidents is vested in the Garda Síochána. Priority in such investigations must be given to determining the causes of road accidents and in particular whether a breach of the road traffic laws contributed to the occurrence. Given the pivotal role played by the Garda 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 to establish accident trends and causes generally and to facilitate remedial works to road infrastructure where such action is deemed to be necessary.

In view of the arrangements outlined, I do not consider that separate surveys or studies of accidents involving heavy goods vehicles, as suggested by the Deputy, are necessary.

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