KENNY COMMENTS ON RISE IN DEATHS FROM DRIVING DANGEROUSLY

Posted on September 24, 2013 5:15 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Dublin Bay North Labour TD and member of the Oireachtas Committees on Justice and Transport has said that while the decrease in criminal offences is welcome, he is concerned at the rise in the offence of dangerous driving.

"There has been an increase in recorded homicide offences in Ireland, according to the latest crime statistics from the CSO, which reveal an increase of 1.5% in the homicide rate in the last 12 months, due to a rise in dangerous driving leading to death."

"The statistics show that incidents of drink driving and drug driving also fell by 15% and 25% respectively, so the problem of dangerous driving is also due to other factors, such as speeding and basic lack of adherence to the rules of the road."

"I would appeal to all motorists to pay close attention to the rules of the road and to follow those rules. They exist for a reason - to ensure the safety of all road users. The damage done to people and families when a person drives dangerously can have a profoundly negative effect. I would appeal to drivers to slow down and stop taking risks."

"I think that as citizens and road users, we all need to play a part in ensuring that dangerous driving does not occur. People who witness dangerous driving on the roads should contact the Gardaí when it is safe to do so and report what they see."