Death toll on roads up by one on 1999

Provisional figures show 414 people were killed in road accidents in the Republic last year - a rise of just one over 1999. However, the figures indicate a halt in a downward trend in numbers of road deaths in recent years.

While the number of fatalities for the year as a whole was up, the Garda Christmas and New Year campaign was again successful: road fatalities for last month fell by six to 31 from the December 1999 figure.

However, the Garda acknowledge the icy conditions between Christmas and the New Year also played a part, forcing many drivers to stay at home during a period which traditionally results in a high number of road fatalities.

The operation, which continues until Sunday, involves 50,000 checkpoints focusing on drink-driving, speeding and non-use of seat belts.

The figures also reveal that there was a high level of single vehicle accidents, at 118, in which 137 people lost their lives. The Garda is concerned at the number of single vehicle accidents which happen between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. at weekends, in which young men lost their lives.

Motorcyclists accounted for 36 deaths, their pillion passengers bringing the total to 39. Eleven pedal cyclists were killed as were 185 vehicle drivers and 96 passengers. Eighty-three pedestrians also lost their lives.

During the Christmas and New Year period, on average 200 drivers were arrested each week in respect of drink driving offences. Driver fatigue is believed to cause at least 10 per cent of road accidents. The Garda advised drivers to plan their journeys and stop in a safe place if they feel tired. Motorists were urged to be more conscious of pedestrians on the road while pedestrians should wear bright clothing, arm-bands and walk facing oncoming traffic.

The halting of previous years' downward trend in fatalities has prompted criticism of the Government by the chairman of the National Safety Council, Mr Eddie Shaw. Maintaining that aspects of the five-year safety strategy have been delayed, Mr Shaw said more lives would have been saved if the delays had not taken place.