Gardaí and Road Safety chiefs are asking motorists to slow down this morning.
They want us to remember that driving too fast increases the chance of hurting yourself or those around you.
18 people have died on Cork roads so far this year.
Today's 'National Slow Down Day' runs from now, until 7am tomorrow morning.
In a statement to RedFM News, Gardaí say:
National Slow Down Day encourages a conversation on speed and road safety. Conversations on road safety should not only take place in the aftermath of fatal road traffic collisions - this is too late, these conversations should take place every day.
Speeding while driving is one of the most dangerous driving practices there is.
The faster the speed > the more severe the impact > the deadlier the consequences.
Inappropriate speed (for prevailing weather / traffic / road conditions) is just as much a problem as exceeding the speed limit:
• 1 in 10 pedestrians will die if hit by a car travelling at 30km/h
• 5 in 10 pedestrians will die if hit by a car travelling at 50km/h
• 9 in 10 will die if hit by a car travelling at 60km/h.
An Garda Síochána remains committed to improving road safety on our roads, however our work alone cannot prevent all fatal or serious road traffic collisions from occurring. We need your support.
An Garda Síochána continues to work with relevant partners as per the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021 - 2030. A strategic, coordinated and multi-sectoral approach to road safety is critical to keeping Ireland’s roads safe.
This involves approximately 180 measures for delivery by all partners to the Strategy across areas such as education, technology, information sharing, legislation, roads infrastructure and enforcement.
