Vol. 526 No. 1
246 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will advise of the findings of the garda investigations into serious and fatal road traffic accidents, with particular focus on the northside of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26036/00]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that while separate details for the North side of Dublin are not readily available, a review of all fatal and serious injury traffic accidents in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, DMR, for the period 1997 to 1999, was carried out recently by the Garda and yielded the following findings: Fatal traffic accidents decreased by 34% and serious injury traffic accidents decreased by 52%. There was a high level of pedestrian involvement, mainly in elderly and younger age groups. In almost half of the accidents involving pedestrians, the pedestrian was found to be within 100 meters of a controlled crossing, of which they did not avail. In respect of drivers, carelessness and speed were the main factors.
The findings were broadly similar throughout the region and that a combination of remedial measures were identified. I understand that an inter-agency forum has been established involving the Garda Síochána and local authorities to regularly review fatal and serious injury accidents with a view to co-ordinating the appropriate remedial action necessary to further reduce fatal and serious injury accidents in the Dublin area.
I am also informed that a joint Garda-local authority pedestrian campaign was undertaken in the Dublin Metropolitan Region to promote road safety amongst pedestrians and other road users and that it is also proposed to pilot a Garda schools programme to specifically educate young people on road safety.
247 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of road traffic accidents in 2000 to date; the total number of recorded road traffic accidents for each of the past years from 1994 to 1999; the statistical record of serious and fatal accidents; the horse power and size of motor vehicles involved; the age profile of the drivers of the vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26037/00]
I am informed by the Garda authorities that the provisional figure for fatal accidents for the year 2000 as of 14 November is 309 which resulted in 354 fatalities.
Details in relation to road accidents, are available from the National Roads Authority, St. Martin's House, Waterloo Road, Dublin 4 who publish, annually, a detailed report entitled "Road Accident Facts, Ireland". The latest report is in relation to 1998.
