This article is from page 16 of the 2013-01-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
NEW figures show that a total of 15 people were killed or seriously injured on Clare roads in 2012.
Two people died as a result of fatal injury collisions while 13 people were seriously injured.
Both fatal crashes occurred in the Ennis area. There were six serious injury collisions in the Ennis and Ennistymon areas and one in Kilrush.
The figure represents a rise on the combined figure of 11 for 2011.
In total, 156 people have been killed or seriously injured on Clare’s roads since 2006. The highest number of road traffic collisions (37) occurred in 2007.
Gardaí arrested 12 people between December 17 (2012) and January 6 (2013), compared to 15 people during the same period 12 months ago.
No fatal traffic accidents occurred during Christmas but there were five non-serious injury traffic accidents, an increase of four on the same period last year.
Road accident statistics released by the Clare Garda Davison also showed that there were 36 incidents of material damage to vehicles during Christmas 2012.
In a statement, Gardaí said 2012 was a “tragic year for collisions in Western Roads”.
A Garda spokesman stated, “Fatal collisions have increased slightly to 35 deaths in 2012. Serious injury collisions increased by 40 per cent across the region. Both increases are significant in that they are running contrary to national trends. An Garda Síochana extends sympathy to the families of all concerned. The area of County Galway is of most concern where fatal collisions accounted for the tragic deaths of 18 people and serious injury collisions left 31 people with life changing injuries.”
Garda statistics show that 34.3 per cent of fatal collisions have occurred on Sundays; 25.7 per cent of fatal collisions have occurred on Fridays while 63 per cent of fatal collisions have occurred between 8am and 8pm.
Gardaí are reminding motorists to never drive while under the influence of alcohol/drugs; drivers and passengers to always wear safety belts; drivers to drive at safe and appropriate speed; avoid using mobile phones while driving.
Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to wear high visibility clothing.