Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2004
75 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport his views on new statistics showing that while young men are among the most likely to pass the driving test, those aged between 17 and 25 years are the most likely to be involved in fatal car crashes; his views on whether the driving test compares favourably with European standards; the efforts he is making to promote safer driving among young males; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32350/04]
View answerStatistics relating to road accidents, based on information provided by the Garda Síochána, are published by the National Roads Authority in its 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 statistics give details of road casualties classified by age and sex, where this information is specified. In 2002, the number of males between 18 and 24 years of age killed in road collisions was 61 compared to 17 females from the same age group. The highest proportion of road deaths exists among 25 to 34 year old males. In 2002, 67 males within this age group were killed on the roads compared to 12 females.
The primary target of the new Government strategy on road safety is to realise a 25% reduction in road collision fatalities by the end of 2006 over the average annual number of fatalities in the 1998 to 2003 period. Achievement of the target will result in no more than 300 deaths per annum by the end of the period of the strategy. The strategy proposes a range of measures in the enforcement, engineering, education and legislation areas to target further reductions in deaths and injuries. An integrated strategic approach will ensure that the road safety agencies work together to achieve the targets set out in the new strategy.
The driving test in Ireland is carried out in accordance with the standard laid down by EU directives on driving licences which applies to all EU countries. The work of driver testers is monitored to ensure the consistent application of this standard.
76 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he intends requesting the NRA to introduce new safety measures for the M50, specifically, and the State’s other motorways in general, in view of the number of serious road accidents that have taken place in recent weeks; if these new measures will include the installation of median barriers on the M50; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32327/04]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 47 and 48.
The provision of median barriers on national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority, NRA, having regard to best practice in road safety and EU standard for safety barriers of this type. The position generally in regard to the provision of median barriers on national roads is that median barriers are currently being provided on all new motorways and dual carriageways, irrespective of the median width, and median barriers are being retrofitted on all existing inter-urban motorways and dual carriageways, irrespective of median width, and this work is expected to be completed by mid-2005, with the exception of the M50.
In the case of the M50, it had been intended by the NRA that median barriers would be provided in the context of the upgrade project which is due to get underway, subject to An Bord Pleanála approval, on a phased basis in late 2005 for phase 1 and in 2006 for phase 2. However, in light of the recent crossover accident on the M50, in which a young woman tragically lost her life, the NRA is now considering the options for providing median barriers in advance of the M50 upgrade. The NRA has been asked to inform my Department of the outcome of its considerations on this matter as soon as possible.
