A new report from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has revealed that between 2008 and 2012, alcohol was a contributory factor in 38% of all fatal collisions.
Of the 867 collisions analysed the report found that
- 38% of all fatal collisions involved a driver, motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian who had consumed alcohol
- 29% of all fatal collisions involved a driver or motorcyclist who had consumed alcohol
- 9% of all fatal collisions involved a pedestrian who had consumed alcohol
Of the 947 people killed in the 867 collisions analysed, alcohol was a contributory factor in:
- 38% of all driver deaths
- 30% of all motorcyclist deaths
- 47% of all pedestrian deaths
- 42% of all passenger deaths
- 86% of drivers and 51% of passengers not wearing seatbelt who had consumed alcohol were killed
Of the 330 alcohol related collisions:
- 1 in 10 of all driver alcohol related collisions occurred between 7am and 11am.
The Road Safety Authority has identified the 10 most common driving errors resulting from alcohol
1) Drivers’ peripheral vision (side vision) is affected making it difficult to see signs and other road uses and lengthening reaction time to hazards
2) Drivers react to alcohol consumption by driving too slow or too fast
3) Drivers drive in the wrong lane
4) Drivers lose control and run over the kerb
5) Drivers weave in and out of traffic lanes
6) Smooth control is reduced or lost altogether so that driver make quick or jerky movements
7) Drivers forget to signal or use headlights
8) Drivers’ vehicles may straddle lanes
9) Drivers fail to stop when they need to, e.g. at stop signs or red lights
10) Drivers overtake in a dangerous manner
Never ever drink and drive. Any amount of alcohol or drugs will impair your driving
13th September, 2016
