Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 March 2013
673. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the increase in road deaths in the first quarter of 2013 to 37 in comparison to the 23 persons who lost their lives in the same period of 2012 and in view of the comments by the Road Safety Authority in relation to the increase in road fatalities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12558/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the first quarter of the year has yet to draw to a close, it is still too early to draw any firm conclusions from the collisions that have occurred to date. There are forensic examinations yet to be completed by the Gardaí and it is difficult to say that road deaths are on an upward trend based on such a short period of time. It is important to understand that we have had similar bad periods on our roads, as recently as last year in fact, but the toll for the year as a whole continued the downward trend.
The most important approach to be taken at this time is to take heed of these recent collisions and remind road users to take greater care.
