31 December 2013
Numbers killed on Ireland's roads rise
We have lost 190 people in 2013 in road crashes compared to 162 deaths in 2012. An increase of 28 lives lost in just one year.
Figures show that young drivers are still the 'most vulnerable' road users. In 2013 alone 80% of those who died were male and half of those were aged between 16 and 35. Over half of driver deaths were single vehicle collisions.
Our Government tell us that they are determined to reverse the increase of road casualties witnessed this year and to improve safety overall on our roads. Time will tell.
PARC believe that road safety measures such as the enactment of the new Road Traffic Bill 2014 will go a long way towards improving road safety. The bill includes measures aimed at young and inexperienced drivers with reforms for driving licences which will create a new class of Novice driver. It introduces a limit of just seven points for learner and novice drivers before they are put off the road and learners detected driving unaccompanied will receive penalty points for the first time. The bill also increases penalty points for speeding, mobile phone use and non-seat belt wearing.
However these new excellent laws that Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar is introducing shortly will only be of benefit to road users if our Government ensure that they are enforced fully by the Gardai and within our courtrooms.
28 December 2013
Minister for Transport has criticised judges for their handling of road traffic cases.
Leo Varadkar criticises judges over traffic cases - Irish Times
David Labanyi of the Irish Times reports on an interview with Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar stating that he is frustrated by the use of the poor box by judges. By giving a small donation to a charity many of our road traffic offenders are easily avoiding a conviction and are not receiving the penalty points associated with that offence. Deputy Thomas Broughan raised questions with Minister forJustice Alan Shatter earlier this year on this issue.
Link to PQs raised and replies
11 December 2013
PARC receives confirmation of updated Garda CT68 Form
The update of the form used by Gardaí to record the details of any serious collision has now been completed on the force's PULSE computer system. Bereaved families of victims of road traffic collisions welcome the fact that PARC has been informed today that their submissions to the Garda authorities have been accepted and are included in the new updated version of this form. Much of the analysis of the information in the CT68 form is the basis for policy decisions made by Government in the area of road safety.
The form used to date was not fit for purpose and as a result we did not have the stats to show the weaknesses in our laws.
The newly updated form will become operational on 1st January 2014, which means that any collision occurring after midnight on the 31st December 2013 will be recorded using the new data set.
Correspondences with Gardai
11 December 2013
Transport Minister seeks meeting with PARC Road Safety Group
Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has sought a meeting with PARC after speaking with the group's founder and CEO Susan Gray in Leinster House today. Members of PARC were attending the Committee Stage of the Road Traffic Bill 2013, a bill which includes many provisions which PARC have long campaigned for - including the testing of an incapacitated driver following a serious road traffic collision, the introduction of penalty points for learner drivers who fail to display L-Plates and those driving unaccompanied by a qualified driver. We look forward to seeing this Bill passed into law in the New Year.
9 December 2013
Hit and Run legislation to be strengthened.
PARC Road Safety Group welcomes Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar's announcement today - he has accepted part of a Fianna Fail Bill published by Deputy Timmy Dooley in May. The Minister is adopting the first part of this Bill and will include a provision for tougher penalties for drivers who decide to leave the scene of a serious crash in the Road Traffic (No 2 ) Bill 2013. It will now be an indictable offence for a driver to leave the scene of a fatal or injury related road traffic collision with much stronger penalties.
17 November 2013
An Garda Siochana launch PARC's updated guide.
PARC's updated guide 'Finding Your Way', which is designed to help families of victims following the death or serious injury of a loved one in a road traffic collision was launched today by An Garda Siochana during PARC's Remembrance Day ceremony held in Menlo Park Hotel, Galway this afternoon.
14 November 2013
RSA Press Release
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR THE VICTIMS OF ROAD COLLISIONS
23,405 people killed on Irish roads since 1959
Click for full press release
7 November 2013
PARC Road Safety Group celebrates 'World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims' on Sunday 17 November 2013 at 2.30pm in the Menlo Park Hotel, Headford Road, Galway. All are invited to attend.
23 October 2013
Convicted drivers still given a licence to escape penalty points.
The Irish Times highlights that only 1 in 5 drivers convicted in court of penalty point offences are having their licence details recorded to ensure they receive the points.
18 October 2013
Consultants distribute PARC's guide "Finding Your Way" through Emergency Departments
At its annual scientific meeting in Letterkenny today, the President of the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine (IAEM) paid tribute to the work of PARC road safety group in supporting the families of those who have lost their lives in a road traffic collision. Dr Mark Doyle encouraged his colleagues in Emergency Medicine to hold copies in their Emergency Departments of the PARC guide "FindingYour Way", a resource for bereaved families.
Dr Doyle stated that IAEM is pleased to be a community partner of PARC road safety group and looks forward to future collaboration.
PARC welcomes the partnership model and is most grateful to IAEM for their assistance.
(See photos here)
17 October 2013
Information on Enforcement of Section 63 of Road Traffic Act 2010 in District Courts
Highland Radio news article
8th October 2013
Deputy Thomas Broughan receives alarming statistics from Courts Service.
Figures sought by Minister for Justice Mr Alan Shatter from the Courts Service on request by Deputy Thomas Broughan reveal that almost 1 in 2 driving licences are not recorded on conviction of penalty point offences in our District Courts! The report includes figures that show that less than half of drivers summonsed to court and convicted of penalty point road traffic offences are getting the points applied to their licence. This is despite legislation being passed in 2010 to close this loophole. (see Dail Question and reply)
4 October 2013
PARC members attend Dail for Second Stage of Road Traffic (No.2) Bill 2013.
This new Bill provides a number of measures to improve safety on our roads and includes the following:
Link to Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Second Stage
Tommy Broughan TD commends new road traffic laws
27 September 2013
39% of court summonses not served by Gardai between 2009 - 2012
PARC is shocked at the latest disturbing information which has come into the public domain.
Garda whistle-blower John Wilson, a retired member of An Garda Siochana applied to the Courts Service for figures which showed that 646,509 summonses were not served by Gardai between 2009 and 2012. He is now calling for an independent inquiry into the matter. The vast majority of the summonses are understood to relate to road traffic offences. (See report Irish Examiner)
Irish Examiner article
26 September 2013
PARC Road Safety Group welcomes new agreement between GSOC and Gardai
PARC welcomes the announcement by the Minster for Justice Mr. Alan Shatter that an agreement has been reached between the Gardaí and the Garda Ombudsman Commission. The relationship between the two bodies is essential and serves to bring about best practise in the application of the law, not least in road safety. We compliment the Minister and all involved in bringing an agreement about.
The common good is best served by this agreement. The fact that the Pulse system is accessible to GSOC and that the Gardaí undertake to deliver documents sought by the GSOC is to be commended
The protection of whistle-blowers who report malpractice is especially comforting.
We also welcome the fact that the Minister has now established a committee to help the implementation of the agreement which is a positive step and will no doubt help to avoid any misunderstanding and frustration.
PARC for one, will be watching to see how this agreement works in practise for road traffic victims in the future.
ENDS
25 September 2013
The Irish Times reports a lack of enforcement of road traffic laws relating to penalty points offences. Irish Times article
24 September 2013
PARC wishes to thank students of NUI Galway for doing a skydive to raise funds for our group. Many thanks!
19 September 2013
PARC is alarmed that only 45% of drivers convicted in court on penalty point offences are being required to produce their driving licence in court despite legislation being passed in 2010 requiring them to do so. It is an offence not to produce a licence in court in order to have the points added to the licence.
Deputy Thomas Broughan (Labour TD) asked Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, for a report from the Courts Service on enforcement levels in District Courts since the new law came in.
Link to reply
GARDA Siochana Ombudsman Commission to address PARC members meeting
If you have made a complaint to the GSOC or considering doing so in relation to the investigation into a road traffic collision you would be most welcome to attend our meeting in Buswells Hotel, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 on Friday 20th September 2013 at 2pm.
This is open to members of PARC only. If you are not already a fully paid up member of PARC you will be very welcome to attend on paying your membership fee at the door on the day. For further information on the work of GSOC follow the link to "Finding Your Way" guide on this website and go to page 18.
17 September 2013
The FEVR AGM and Road Safety Conference 2013 was very successful. International NGOs gave presentations highlighting their work over the past year for road safety. PARC wishes to thank Jeannot Mersch and the FEVR board for their invitation to attend. Many thanks also to our Turkish hosts Yesim and Muge for making us feel so welcome. Group photo & Photos
PARC presentation at conference (will download pdf file)
12 September 2013
PRESS RELEASE
International Road Victims Conference 13th September 2013.
(See press release here)
11 September 2013
PARC members will attend an International Road Victims Conference in Istanbul on 13th September to represent victims in Ireland and as a member of FEVR.
The conference concentrates on “The Importance of “Justice” on the lives of Road Victims” and will highlight the fact that there is insufficient information and knowledge about any provisions for victims and their problems and needs, both in the immediate aftermath of injury or bereavement or long-term . After the collisions there are several reasons that cause the problems to remain unsolved: like the efforts of the victims while trying to prove that they are right, the lack of penalties/fines taken/given, the lack of communication with the insurance or justice institutions etc. All this adds to the pain and suffering of the victim. PARC will report back with news following this conference. FEVR Press Release
31 August 2013
To date this year 128 people have lost their lives on Irish roads compared to 116 for the same period last year.
Our hearts go out to all the families left behind to bear the pain.
28th August 2013
Irish Times report - Gardai to start recording whether a driver was using a mobile phone at the time of a crash or whether the collision involved a hit-and-run
Link ; Gardaí to record drivers' use of phone at time of crash - The Irish Times
Change to way collision data collected to improve understanding of causes. ... David Labanyi ... was no 'hit and run' category in the C(T)68 form so a garda at a crash scene could not categorise a collision correctly.
27th August 2013
PARC Road Safety Group Statement on Hit & Run Collisions and the Garda CT68 form.
PARC road safety group wish to thank the Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan for taking us up on our offer to feed into the review of the Garda CT68 form. In PARC we have recognised the power of this document not merely for accurate statistics or forming public policy on road safety, but having it accessible to the families in the aftermath of a collision.
PARC welcomes the written confirmation received today informing us that the CT68 form which collects details of a crash on the Garda PULSE system and used by the RSA for statistical purposes has now been updated with additional fields applied including a data field to record cases of hit and run collisions. These changes will be reflected in the new form effective from 1 January 2014 and will ensure that we have the stats to show the weaknesses in our laws in the future.
It is self-evident that such an important document must be comprehensive and fit for purpose, regularly reviewed and updated often. In the opinion of PARC we need accurate recording of data on a comprehensive form covering all aspects of the collision, on-going research into road traffic collisions, rigorous enforcement of existing laws and a vigilant oversight to ensure joined up thinking from all concerned with saving lives on our roads.
PARC calls on our Minister for Transport Mr Leo Varadkar to introduce the necessary legislation in relation to hit and run collisions making it an indictable offence for the driver involved to leave the scene of a fatal or serious injury crash with a prison sentence to fit the crime. At present this offence is classed as a summary offence dealt with in a District Court with a maximum jail sentence of 6 months which we in PARC believe is far too lenient.
26 August 2013
PARC express sincere condolences to Jo McSherry and extended family on the untimely death of her dear husband Alan in a hit-and-run collision in Bundoran, Co. Donegal on 25th August.
His death has further highlighted the urgent need for changes to our current hit-and-run laws in Ireland. PARC road safety group continue to make this issue a priority as we work with stakeholders and bereaved families in this area.
21 August 2013
Roads now safer - thanks to Brett. PARC letter to Irish Examiner.
19 August 2013
A Statement from PARC - “Government Cutbacks undo years of RSA progress in road safety”.
When Noel Brett took up his position as CEO of the Road Safety Authority in 2005 Ireland had the highest rate of road fatalities per capita in Europe with 396 precious lives lost on our roads. That is more than one person killed per day!
By the end of 2012 that figure had been reduced to 162 making us one of the safest countries in Europe. We in PARC have no doubt that this was in large part due to the dedication and leadership of Mr. Noel Brett.
Noel genuinely cared about road safety and people. He was a great listener to the families who have lost loved ones and was always prepared to learn from their experiences. He has been a great ambassador for road safety in Ireland and will be a hard act to follow. There are people alive today because of his work.
The sad fact is that the figures for road deaths are now on the rise again, not through any negligence on Mr. Brett’s part but because many drivers are behaving in a way that is putting other lives at risk of death or serious injury. Coupled with this is the unfortunate lack of Garda presence on our roads to detect law breaking drivers and remove them from our roads before they maim and kill. At the time of writing this there are 9 more road deaths compared to the same period last year.
We, the relatives of the dead and we the injured who are still suffering the loss of those we loved appeal to all those who use the roads to do so withcourtesy, awareness, respect and care for all who share the road.
Road safety must remain a priority for our Government. The fact that road collisions cost the Irish state nearly €793 million in 2011 with fatal crashes making up over €440 million of that total figure – just imagine the economic costs in the future due to our continuing rising death toll. This is food for thought for the powers that be. If Michael Noonan were to provide finance for more trained Gardai on our roads it would be self-financing and the reduction in human misery and suffering would be priceless.
PARC congratulates Noel Brett on the implementation of so many beneficial changes that delivered so much and promised so much more when we had the Garda enforcement.
We wish him every happiness and success in his new job as CEO of the Irish Banking Federation, a post he is due to take up later this year. Our loss is their gain.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Susan Gray, CEO PARC road safety group
Tel: 086 3773784 susan@parcgroup.ie
PARC Road Safety Group is an Irish NGO advocating for road safety and road traffic victims. www.parcroadsafety.ie
8 August 2013
Noel Brett CEO of the Road Safety Authority tendered his resignation today and will be leaving the RSA at the end of October.
PARC wish Noel every success in his new job as CEO of the Irish Banking Federation. Our loss is their Gain.
4 August 2013
Road Safety Message from PARC
114 precious lives have been lost on our roads in the republic so far in 2013. This compares to 104 fatalities for the same period in 2012. Many others have been seriously injured.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to all the families and friends affected.
PARC Road Safety Group would appeal to all road users to take care when using the roads and obey the road traffic laws which are there to protect us all.
Remember how ‘Precious’ and ‘Delicate’ life is.....All it takes is that one split second for a totally preventable crash to occur..a crash that will devastate so many families...
Link to PARC road safety message RTE news 4th August 2013 -
http://www.rte.ie/news/player/2013/0804/20416140-third-fatal-road-crash-over-bank-holiday-weekend/
July 2013
Guidelines for "Making a Victim Impact Statement ".
The Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan along with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Mr. Alan Shatter and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms. Claire Loftus jointly launch Guidelines entitled ‘Making a Victim Impact Statement’. PARC find the guidelines very helpful for families when making their Victim Impact Statement (VIS) before an offender has been sentenced by a judge. For further information visit www.garda.ie
June 2013
PARC feed into review of Garda CT68 form.
PARC attended very positive meeting with the Garda National Traffic Bureau in Dublin.
27 June 2013
Launch of Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013 - PARC asks Minister Varadkar to strengthen hit and run legislation.
PARC members attend the launch of the Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill in Farmleigh House today. During the ETSC Road Safety PIN talk which discussed Ireland’s road safety policy PARC member Lucia O Farrell spoke on the untimely death of her son Shane in a hit and run collision in 2011. Minister Varadkar assured PARC that he would give careful consideration to bringing in legislation ensuring that leaving the scene of a serious crash would be an indictable offence carrying serious penalties. PARC members also spoke on the urgent need for Gardai to update the Garda CT68 form which collects information from the scene of a crash and thanked the Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan or taking us up on our offer to feed into review of the form. David Walsh spoke on PARC’s concern that there is no field on the present form to record the death of an unborn child in a road traffic collision.
Highland Radio – Latest Donegal News and Sport » PARC founder ...Road Traffic Bill 2013 published today by Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar. See more detail...
12 June 2013
PARC statement on 'hit and run' offence and CT68 form.
4 June 2013
PARC wish to thank all those who took part in the Dublin Flora Women’s Mini Marathon yesterday for PARC and Road Safety. Well done everyone!
28 May 2013
PARC welcomes new Bill to crack down on Hit & Run Drivers
Fianna Fáil has published a new Road Traffic Bill 2013 making it an indictable offence for anyone to leave the scene of a collision resulting in death or injury. At present this offence is classed as a summary offence with a maximum jail sentence of 6 months which PARC believe is far too lenient. The new Bill, if passed into law, ensures that the offence would carry much tougher penalties.
Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson on Transport Timmy Dooley introduces the Bill in the Dáil this month.
16 May 2013
PARC Press Release
14 May 2013
Over 85,000 drivers avoid penalty points when summoned to court on road traffic offences.
Parliamentary Questions raised on penalty points.
25 April 2013
PARC calls for update of Garda CT68 form.
9 April 2013
Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013
Environment Minister Phil Hogan has published draft legislation which aims at clamping down on motor tax evaders. The new provisions will require all drivers to declare, months in advance, if their vehicle will be off the road for a period of time. This will put an end to the system whereby many drivers can drive without tax and claim, if they are not caught in the meantime, that their vehicle had not been driven on a public road. The current system allows drivers to simply sign a form in their local Garda station stating that their vehicle was off the road for months to avoid paying arrears of motor tax. In the near future they will have to inform their local Motor Tax Office well in advance.
28 March 2013
Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar launches the new Road Safety Strategy for 2013-2020.
The new Strategy sets a target for 2020 to reduce the number of road deaths to 124 a year ( from 162 in 2012) and serious injuries to 330 per year ( from 485 in 2012).
Best performing countries to date are the UK, Netherlands, Sweden and Australia.
Key targets included in the Road Safety Authority’s Strategy are:
22 March 2013
Susan Gray presents Chief Justice Susan Denham and the Director of Public Prosecution Ms Claire Loftus with a copy of PARC’s guide – “Finding Your Way” following the death or serious injury of a loved one in a road traffic collision.
15 March 2013
As road death figures rise in 2013 with 15 more deaths on Irish roads compared to same period in 2012 PARC welcomes the news that Gardai are now rolling out 243 extra speed-camera locations.
By the end of March 2013 there will be 727 GoSafe safety camera sites with cameras operating on roads which have a history of collisions where speed was a contributory factor. Garda vans operated by the independent organisation “GoSafe”, on behalf of the Gardai since November 2010 are saving lives and preventing injuries on our roads.
If you are caught by a mobile speed camera van, you will receive notification in the post along with an €80 fine and two penalty points. Failure to pay this fine within 28 days will see it increase to €120 and failure to pay this will land you in a district court, four penalty points and up to an €800 fine! A map of locations where the speed cameras will be in operation can be viewed at: garda. ie/gosafe.html.
March 2013
Landmark Case
High Court judge Mr Justice Sean Ryan reduces damages of €190,500 awarded to a woman who suffered injuries resulting from a RTC by 40%. The judge stated that she should have known the driver of the car in which she was a passenger was impaired by alcohol. He also reduced the award because she was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
6 March 2013
Irish Times Article
PARC is deeply concerned that the law introduced nearly two years ago to ensure drivers involved in a fatal or injury related crash are tested for alcohol is not being fully applied.
The Irish Times report today that the Garda computer system has not been updated to take account of the mandatory tests required by law since 2011. The form used by Gardai to record the details of a crash on their PULSE computer system still contains a section where a Garda can state that they "formed an opinion" that no test for alcohol was required. This discretionary power was taken from Gardai on 1 June 2011 with the introduction of the Road Traffic Act 2011.
A Garda spokesman told the Irish Times that the C(T)68 form, used to record the details of a crash, was now going to be updated because it was creating "confusion" but he was unable to state when exactly this update would be completed.
3 March 2013
Road deaths continue to rise with 37 fatalities so far this year compared to 23 for same period in 2012.
25 February 2013
PARC members and supporters sign up for Flora Women’s Mini Marathon 3rd June 2013.
24 February 2013
Alcohol tests are still not being carried out on all surviving uninjured drivers involved in fatal and serious crashes.
22 February 2013
New "Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines". The guidelines published today, relate to car and motor cycle drivers and gives clear guidance to medical professionals in implementing medical 'fitness to drive' policies in Ireland. The Guidelines will enable these professionals to give advice and support to drivers who may have concerns about any condition or disease. As a driver, if you are unsure about whether or not you should report a medical condition, you should seek advice from your doctor or health professional.
These updated Guidelines reflect recent developments in medicine, such as improvements in diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and has been distributed to all GPs.
Members of the public can download a copy from the RSA website.
21 February 2013
PARC welcomes Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar's announcement that he is considering making "leaving the scene of a road collision" an indictable offence rather than a summary offence. He is bringing the Road Traffic Bill 2013 to the Oireachtas very shortly and will consult with the Attorney General on the issue of making "leaving the scene" a more serious offence with a trial jury at Circuit Court level and the potential for a longer sentence. At present the offence of leaving the scene of a crash is classed as a summary offence which is dealt with in the District Court.
Fianna Fail justice spokesman Mr Niall Collins published his Judicial Sentencing Commission Bill yesterday in the Dail which calls for clear sentencing guidelines without undue interference with judicial independence. He also called for an extension of the time limits for testing for drugs and alcohol after a fatal or serious road traffic crash. At present Gardai have only three hours from the time of the crash to test a driver for alcohol/drugs.
20 February 2013
The Irish Times - Wednesday, February 20, 2013
PARC Road Safety Group spent 6 long hard years campaigning for mandatory alcohol testing for all drivers involved in crashes where someone has been killed or injured and though the law has now been enacted for over 18 months it is not being fully enforced. Figures for 2012 alone reveals that some Gardai are still “ forming an opinion” that testing was not required. PARC calls for our Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar and our Minister for Justice Alan Shatter to pin point the actual districts where these Gardai are still “forming an opinion” and don’t seem to know that testing is required by law since 1 June 2011 in all fatal and injury related crashes
We would like the Minister for Transport, the Minister for Justice and the Road Safety Authority to be watchdogs on this issue so that all uninjured drivers involved in a fatal crash or a crash resulting in injury or where injury is claimed, are tested for alcohol to ensure that our road traffic laws are being fully enforced.
19 February 2013
PARC’s guide is now included in the hospitals website http://www.emed.ie, click on 'Patient-Info'. It is listed under “Death of a loved one in RTC" and "Finding Your Way after RTC" EMed Handbook.
18 February 2013
Road deaths rise as Garda numbers, resources and enforcement levels fall.
30 precious lives lost on Irish roads so far this year compared to 16 for same period in 2012. A recent Parliamentary question was raised asking Minister for Justice Alan Shatter if the 171 new Garda vehicles promised to the Gardai last year will be assigned to An Garda Siochana shortly and to which districts. We were told that the vehicles were purchased last year but a detailed breakdown of when they will be deployed and to which districts was unavailable.
14 February 2013
Garda Ombudsman Commission request additional copies of PARC’s “Finding your Way” guide for victims of road traffic crashes.
13 February 2013
Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar informs PARC that he is addressing our recent road safety concerns.
10/11 February 2013
RTE highlights PARC’s guide “Finding your Way” during interview with Susan Gray. Gay Byrne gives his listeners details of the group’s free booklet for victims.
Parliamentary Question to Minister for Justice Alan Shatter reveals that there are still problems with enforcement levels in relation to the testing of drivers involved in fatal and serious injury crashes for alcohol. The Minister has received assurances from the Garda authorities that every effort is being made to ensure that legislative provisions in the 2011 Road Traffic Act (Mandatory alcohol testing of drivers involved in serious injury crashes) are fully complied with. These measures include communication with all Garda members through a series of instructions and Directives from Garda Headquarters as well as Monthly tactical Assessments by Garda management on the level of compliance.
9 February 2013
141 additional Garda have been trained recently in the use of the station based Evidential Breath Testing machines. A further 79 Garda are due to go for the two day training course in the MBRS. The 22 additional evidential breath testing (intoxilysers) machines requested by Garda in 2009 are now due to be installed into Garda stations nationally.
7 February 2013
The penalty points system was introduced in 2002 and in 2008 the authorities discovered that there was a problem with the system. Although our Minister for Transport Mr Leo Varadkar enacted legislation to close this loophole in 2011, the problem remains. PARC has now informed Ministers of our findings after much research on this issue. Link to PARC letter to Minister Varadkar
27 January 2013
Reporter Michael Clifford "permit found in gutter” article in Sunday Times covers Danny Healy Rae’s motion to Government to let some people in rural parts of Ireland drink and drive!. The motion was passed by Kerry County Council this week but Minister for Justice Alan Shatter condemned it.
19 January 2013
All new driving licences issues in Ireland from today will be in the form of a plastic “credit card”, as a new European Union directive comes into force. The move is part of a move to harmonising EU-wide driving licences.
January 2013
Garda Authorities collect and distribute copies of PARC’s guide for victims of road traffic crashes to all Garda Family Liaison Officers (FLO) nationally. All bereaved families will now receive a copy from the FLO appointed to them.
Numbers killed on Ireland's roads rise
We have lost 190 people in 2013 in road crashes compared to 162 deaths in 2012. An increase of 28 lives lost in just one year.
Figures show that young drivers are still the 'most vulnerable' road users. In 2013 alone 80% of those who died were male and half of those were aged between 16 and 35. Over half of driver deaths were single vehicle collisions.
Our Government tell us that they are determined to reverse the increase of road casualties witnessed this year and to improve safety overall on our roads. Time will tell.
PARC believe that road safety measures such as the enactment of the new Road Traffic Bill 2014 will go a long way towards improving road safety. The bill includes measures aimed at young and inexperienced drivers with reforms for driving licences which will create a new class of Novice driver. It introduces a limit of just seven points for learner and novice drivers before they are put off the road and learners detected driving unaccompanied will receive penalty points for the first time. The bill also increases penalty points for speeding, mobile phone use and non-seat belt wearing.
However these new excellent laws that Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar is introducing shortly will only be of benefit to road users if our Government ensure that they are enforced fully by the Gardai and within our courtrooms.
28 December 2013
Minister for Transport has criticised judges for their handling of road traffic cases.
Leo Varadkar criticises judges over traffic cases - Irish Times
David Labanyi of the Irish Times reports on an interview with Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar stating that he is frustrated by the use of the poor box by judges. By giving a small donation to a charity many of our road traffic offenders are easily avoiding a conviction and are not receiving the penalty points associated with that offence. Deputy Thomas Broughan raised questions with Minister forJustice Alan Shatter earlier this year on this issue.
Link to PQs raised and replies
11 December 2013
PARC receives confirmation of updated Garda CT68 Form
The update of the form used by Gardaí to record the details of any serious collision has now been completed on the force's PULSE computer system. Bereaved families of victims of road traffic collisions welcome the fact that PARC has been informed today that their submissions to the Garda authorities have been accepted and are included in the new updated version of this form. Much of the analysis of the information in the CT68 form is the basis for policy decisions made by Government in the area of road safety.
The form used to date was not fit for purpose and as a result we did not have the stats to show the weaknesses in our laws.
The newly updated form will become operational on 1st January 2014, which means that any collision occurring after midnight on the 31st December 2013 will be recorded using the new data set.
Correspondences with Gardai
11 December 2013
Transport Minister seeks meeting with PARC Road Safety Group
Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has sought a meeting with PARC after speaking with the group's founder and CEO Susan Gray in Leinster House today. Members of PARC were attending the Committee Stage of the Road Traffic Bill 2013, a bill which includes many provisions which PARC have long campaigned for - including the testing of an incapacitated driver following a serious road traffic collision, the introduction of penalty points for learner drivers who fail to display L-Plates and those driving unaccompanied by a qualified driver. We look forward to seeing this Bill passed into law in the New Year.
9 December 2013
Hit and Run legislation to be strengthened.
PARC Road Safety Group welcomes Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar's announcement today - he has accepted part of a Fianna Fail Bill published by Deputy Timmy Dooley in May. The Minister is adopting the first part of this Bill and will include a provision for tougher penalties for drivers who decide to leave the scene of a serious crash in the Road Traffic (No 2 ) Bill 2013. It will now be an indictable offence for a driver to leave the scene of a fatal or injury related road traffic collision with much stronger penalties.
17 November 2013
An Garda Siochana launch PARC's updated guide.
PARC's updated guide 'Finding Your Way', which is designed to help families of victims following the death or serious injury of a loved one in a road traffic collision was launched today by An Garda Siochana during PARC's Remembrance Day ceremony held in Menlo Park Hotel, Galway this afternoon.
14 November 2013
RSA Press Release
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR THE VICTIMS OF ROAD COLLISIONS
23,405 people killed on Irish roads since 1959
Click for full press release
7 November 2013
PARC Road Safety Group celebrates 'World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims' on Sunday 17 November 2013 at 2.30pm in the Menlo Park Hotel, Headford Road, Galway. All are invited to attend.
23 October 2013
Convicted drivers still given a licence to escape penalty points.
The Irish Times highlights that only 1 in 5 drivers convicted in court of penalty point offences are having their licence details recorded to ensure they receive the points.
18 October 2013
Consultants distribute PARC's guide "Finding Your Way" through Emergency Departments
At its annual scientific meeting in Letterkenny today, the President of the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine (IAEM) paid tribute to the work of PARC road safety group in supporting the families of those who have lost their lives in a road traffic collision. Dr Mark Doyle encouraged his colleagues in Emergency Medicine to hold copies in their Emergency Departments of the PARC guide "FindingYour Way", a resource for bereaved families.
Dr Doyle stated that IAEM is pleased to be a community partner of PARC road safety group and looks forward to future collaboration.
PARC welcomes the partnership model and is most grateful to IAEM for their assistance.
(See photos here)
17 October 2013
Information on Enforcement of Section 63 of Road Traffic Act 2010 in District Courts
Highland Radio news article
8th October 2013
Deputy Thomas Broughan receives alarming statistics from Courts Service.
Figures sought by Minister for Justice Mr Alan Shatter from the Courts Service on request by Deputy Thomas Broughan reveal that almost 1 in 2 driving licences are not recorded on conviction of penalty point offences in our District Courts! The report includes figures that show that less than half of drivers summonsed to court and convicted of penalty point road traffic offences are getting the points applied to their licence. This is despite legislation being passed in 2010 to close this loophole. (see Dail Question and reply)
4 October 2013
PARC members attend Dail for Second Stage of Road Traffic (No.2) Bill 2013.
This new Bill provides a number of measures to improve safety on our roads and includes the following:
- Creates a category of Novice driver, a provision for a novice plate, penalty points for those who fail to display an N plate on their vehicle and a lower penalty point disqualification threshold for learners and novices.
- It also introduces, for the first time, penalty points for learner drivers for failure to display L-plates and points for failing to be accompanied by a qualified driver with a full licence of at least 2 years.
- Provision to test incapacitated drivers for intoxication following a road traffic collision where death or injury has occurred.
- introduction of intoxication impairment testing.
- Introduces penalty points on payment of a fixed charge for some offences and increases penalty points following conviction for others.
- Provides a power of arrest for a member of An Garda Síochána in cases where an individual who has been disqualified from holding a driving licence is detected driving.
Link to Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013: Second Stage
Tommy Broughan TD commends new road traffic laws
27 September 2013
39% of court summonses not served by Gardai between 2009 - 2012
PARC is shocked at the latest disturbing information which has come into the public domain.
Garda whistle-blower John Wilson, a retired member of An Garda Siochana applied to the Courts Service for figures which showed that 646,509 summonses were not served by Gardai between 2009 and 2012. He is now calling for an independent inquiry into the matter. The vast majority of the summonses are understood to relate to road traffic offences. (See report Irish Examiner)
Irish Examiner article
26 September 2013
PARC Road Safety Group welcomes new agreement between GSOC and Gardai
PARC welcomes the announcement by the Minster for Justice Mr. Alan Shatter that an agreement has been reached between the Gardaí and the Garda Ombudsman Commission. The relationship between the two bodies is essential and serves to bring about best practise in the application of the law, not least in road safety. We compliment the Minister and all involved in bringing an agreement about.
The common good is best served by this agreement. The fact that the Pulse system is accessible to GSOC and that the Gardaí undertake to deliver documents sought by the GSOC is to be commended
The protection of whistle-blowers who report malpractice is especially comforting.
We also welcome the fact that the Minister has now established a committee to help the implementation of the agreement which is a positive step and will no doubt help to avoid any misunderstanding and frustration.
PARC for one, will be watching to see how this agreement works in practise for road traffic victims in the future.
ENDS
25 September 2013
The Irish Times reports a lack of enforcement of road traffic laws relating to penalty points offences. Irish Times article
24 September 2013
PARC wishes to thank students of NUI Galway for doing a skydive to raise funds for our group. Many thanks!
19 September 2013
PARC is alarmed that only 45% of drivers convicted in court on penalty point offences are being required to produce their driving licence in court despite legislation being passed in 2010 requiring them to do so. It is an offence not to produce a licence in court in order to have the points added to the licence.
Deputy Thomas Broughan (Labour TD) asked Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, for a report from the Courts Service on enforcement levels in District Courts since the new law came in.
Link to reply
GARDA Siochana Ombudsman Commission to address PARC members meeting
If you have made a complaint to the GSOC or considering doing so in relation to the investigation into a road traffic collision you would be most welcome to attend our meeting in Buswells Hotel, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 on Friday 20th September 2013 at 2pm.
This is open to members of PARC only. If you are not already a fully paid up member of PARC you will be very welcome to attend on paying your membership fee at the door on the day. For further information on the work of GSOC follow the link to "Finding Your Way" guide on this website and go to page 18.
17 September 2013
The FEVR AGM and Road Safety Conference 2013 was very successful. International NGOs gave presentations highlighting their work over the past year for road safety. PARC wishes to thank Jeannot Mersch and the FEVR board for their invitation to attend. Many thanks also to our Turkish hosts Yesim and Muge for making us feel so welcome. Group photo & Photos
PARC presentation at conference (will download pdf file)
12 September 2013
PRESS RELEASE
International Road Victims Conference 13th September 2013.
(See press release here)
11 September 2013
PARC members will attend an International Road Victims Conference in Istanbul on 13th September to represent victims in Ireland and as a member of FEVR.
The conference concentrates on “The Importance of “Justice” on the lives of Road Victims” and will highlight the fact that there is insufficient information and knowledge about any provisions for victims and their problems and needs, both in the immediate aftermath of injury or bereavement or long-term . After the collisions there are several reasons that cause the problems to remain unsolved: like the efforts of the victims while trying to prove that they are right, the lack of penalties/fines taken/given, the lack of communication with the insurance or justice institutions etc. All this adds to the pain and suffering of the victim. PARC will report back with news following this conference. FEVR Press Release
31 August 2013
To date this year 128 people have lost their lives on Irish roads compared to 116 for the same period last year.
Our hearts go out to all the families left behind to bear the pain.
28th August 2013
Irish Times report - Gardai to start recording whether a driver was using a mobile phone at the time of a crash or whether the collision involved a hit-and-run
Link ; Gardaí to record drivers' use of phone at time of crash - The Irish Times
Change to way collision data collected to improve understanding of causes. ... David Labanyi ... was no 'hit and run' category in the C(T)68 form so a garda at a crash scene could not categorise a collision correctly.
27th August 2013
PARC Road Safety Group Statement on Hit & Run Collisions and the Garda CT68 form.
PARC road safety group wish to thank the Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan for taking us up on our offer to feed into the review of the Garda CT68 form. In PARC we have recognised the power of this document not merely for accurate statistics or forming public policy on road safety, but having it accessible to the families in the aftermath of a collision.
PARC welcomes the written confirmation received today informing us that the CT68 form which collects details of a crash on the Garda PULSE system and used by the RSA for statistical purposes has now been updated with additional fields applied including a data field to record cases of hit and run collisions. These changes will be reflected in the new form effective from 1 January 2014 and will ensure that we have the stats to show the weaknesses in our laws in the future.
It is self-evident that such an important document must be comprehensive and fit for purpose, regularly reviewed and updated often. In the opinion of PARC we need accurate recording of data on a comprehensive form covering all aspects of the collision, on-going research into road traffic collisions, rigorous enforcement of existing laws and a vigilant oversight to ensure joined up thinking from all concerned with saving lives on our roads.
PARC calls on our Minister for Transport Mr Leo Varadkar to introduce the necessary legislation in relation to hit and run collisions making it an indictable offence for the driver involved to leave the scene of a fatal or serious injury crash with a prison sentence to fit the crime. At present this offence is classed as a summary offence dealt with in a District Court with a maximum jail sentence of 6 months which we in PARC believe is far too lenient.
26 August 2013
PARC express sincere condolences to Jo McSherry and extended family on the untimely death of her dear husband Alan in a hit-and-run collision in Bundoran, Co. Donegal on 25th August.
His death has further highlighted the urgent need for changes to our current hit-and-run laws in Ireland. PARC road safety group continue to make this issue a priority as we work with stakeholders and bereaved families in this area.
21 August 2013
Roads now safer - thanks to Brett. PARC letter to Irish Examiner.
19 August 2013
A Statement from PARC - “Government Cutbacks undo years of RSA progress in road safety”.
When Noel Brett took up his position as CEO of the Road Safety Authority in 2005 Ireland had the highest rate of road fatalities per capita in Europe with 396 precious lives lost on our roads. That is more than one person killed per day!
By the end of 2012 that figure had been reduced to 162 making us one of the safest countries in Europe. We in PARC have no doubt that this was in large part due to the dedication and leadership of Mr. Noel Brett.
Noel genuinely cared about road safety and people. He was a great listener to the families who have lost loved ones and was always prepared to learn from their experiences. He has been a great ambassador for road safety in Ireland and will be a hard act to follow. There are people alive today because of his work.
The sad fact is that the figures for road deaths are now on the rise again, not through any negligence on Mr. Brett’s part but because many drivers are behaving in a way that is putting other lives at risk of death or serious injury. Coupled with this is the unfortunate lack of Garda presence on our roads to detect law breaking drivers and remove them from our roads before they maim and kill. At the time of writing this there are 9 more road deaths compared to the same period last year.
We, the relatives of the dead and we the injured who are still suffering the loss of those we loved appeal to all those who use the roads to do so withcourtesy, awareness, respect and care for all who share the road.
Road safety must remain a priority for our Government. The fact that road collisions cost the Irish state nearly €793 million in 2011 with fatal crashes making up over €440 million of that total figure – just imagine the economic costs in the future due to our continuing rising death toll. This is food for thought for the powers that be. If Michael Noonan were to provide finance for more trained Gardai on our roads it would be self-financing and the reduction in human misery and suffering would be priceless.
PARC congratulates Noel Brett on the implementation of so many beneficial changes that delivered so much and promised so much more when we had the Garda enforcement.
We wish him every happiness and success in his new job as CEO of the Irish Banking Federation, a post he is due to take up later this year. Our loss is their gain.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Susan Gray, CEO PARC road safety group
Tel: 086 3773784 susan@parcgroup.ie
PARC Road Safety Group is an Irish NGO advocating for road safety and road traffic victims. www.parcroadsafety.ie
8 August 2013
Noel Brett CEO of the Road Safety Authority tendered his resignation today and will be leaving the RSA at the end of October.
PARC wish Noel every success in his new job as CEO of the Irish Banking Federation. Our loss is their Gain.
4 August 2013
Road Safety Message from PARC
114 precious lives have been lost on our roads in the republic so far in 2013. This compares to 104 fatalities for the same period in 2012. Many others have been seriously injured.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to all the families and friends affected.
PARC Road Safety Group would appeal to all road users to take care when using the roads and obey the road traffic laws which are there to protect us all.
Remember how ‘Precious’ and ‘Delicate’ life is.....All it takes is that one split second for a totally preventable crash to occur..a crash that will devastate so many families...
Link to PARC road safety message RTE news 4th August 2013 -
http://www.rte.ie/news/player/2013/0804/20416140-third-fatal-road-crash-over-bank-holiday-weekend/
July 2013
Guidelines for "Making a Victim Impact Statement ".
The Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan along with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence Mr. Alan Shatter and the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms. Claire Loftus jointly launch Guidelines entitled ‘Making a Victim Impact Statement’. PARC find the guidelines very helpful for families when making their Victim Impact Statement (VIS) before an offender has been sentenced by a judge. For further information visit www.garda.ie
June 2013
PARC feed into review of Garda CT68 form.
PARC attended very positive meeting with the Garda National Traffic Bureau in Dublin.
27 June 2013
Launch of Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill 2013 - PARC asks Minister Varadkar to strengthen hit and run legislation.
PARC members attend the launch of the Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill in Farmleigh House today. During the ETSC Road Safety PIN talk which discussed Ireland’s road safety policy PARC member Lucia O Farrell spoke on the untimely death of her son Shane in a hit and run collision in 2011. Minister Varadkar assured PARC that he would give careful consideration to bringing in legislation ensuring that leaving the scene of a serious crash would be an indictable offence carrying serious penalties. PARC members also spoke on the urgent need for Gardai to update the Garda CT68 form which collects information from the scene of a crash and thanked the Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan or taking us up on our offer to feed into review of the form. David Walsh spoke on PARC’s concern that there is no field on the present form to record the death of an unborn child in a road traffic collision.
Highland Radio – Latest Donegal News and Sport » PARC founder ...Road Traffic Bill 2013 published today by Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar. See more detail...
12 June 2013
PARC statement on 'hit and run' offence and CT68 form.
4 June 2013
PARC wish to thank all those who took part in the Dublin Flora Women’s Mini Marathon yesterday for PARC and Road Safety. Well done everyone!
28 May 2013
PARC welcomes new Bill to crack down on Hit & Run Drivers
Fianna Fáil has published a new Road Traffic Bill 2013 making it an indictable offence for anyone to leave the scene of a collision resulting in death or injury. At present this offence is classed as a summary offence with a maximum jail sentence of 6 months which PARC believe is far too lenient. The new Bill, if passed into law, ensures that the offence would carry much tougher penalties.
Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson on Transport Timmy Dooley introduces the Bill in the Dáil this month.
16 May 2013
PARC Press Release
14 May 2013
Over 85,000 drivers avoid penalty points when summoned to court on road traffic offences.
Parliamentary Questions raised on penalty points.
25 April 2013
PARC calls for update of Garda CT68 form.
9 April 2013
Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013
Environment Minister Phil Hogan has published draft legislation which aims at clamping down on motor tax evaders. The new provisions will require all drivers to declare, months in advance, if their vehicle will be off the road for a period of time. This will put an end to the system whereby many drivers can drive without tax and claim, if they are not caught in the meantime, that their vehicle had not been driven on a public road. The current system allows drivers to simply sign a form in their local Garda station stating that their vehicle was off the road for months to avoid paying arrears of motor tax. In the near future they will have to inform their local Motor Tax Office well in advance.
28 March 2013
Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar launches the new Road Safety Strategy for 2013-2020.
The new Strategy sets a target for 2020 to reduce the number of road deaths to 124 a year ( from 162 in 2012) and serious injuries to 330 per year ( from 485 in 2012).
Best performing countries to date are the UK, Netherlands, Sweden and Australia.
Key targets included in the Road Safety Authority’s Strategy are:
- To reduce long term reliance on multiple learner permits by introducing measures to ensure that learner permit holders sit a driving test before they can obtain a subsequent learner permit.
- Work with the Irish Insurance Federation (IIF) to promote compliance with learner permit regulations and rules relating to vehicle modifications. Utilise customer databases to ensure that every learner permit holder covered by an Insurance Policy receives specific advice on learner permit regulations.
- Work with victim advocacy groups to inform the development and implementation of support/advisory information/counselling for families affected by road fatalities and serious injuries.
- To legislate for the implementation of chemical roadside testing for drugs in 2015.
- To update the penalty point system to ensure relevant sanctions are in place, amended as required and new sanctions are introduced to cover new road safety issues.
- Publish the Speed Limits Review report and implement its recommendations in 2014.
- Carry out a feasibility report on establishment of independent post-collision engineering assessment programme to review fatal and serious injury cases to include on-site engineering inspections.
- Integrate NCT and Commercial Vehicles Roadworthiness Test data into An Garda Siochana ITS system by 2014.
- Promote the greater use of An Garda Siochana Traffic Watch Scheme.
- Legislate, subject to legal advice, to prevent persons over the legal blood alcohol limit from acting as an accompanying driver for a Learner Permit holder.
- Review format and content of annual Road Collision Fact publication and promote greater uptake and utilisation of this data in 2013.
- Improve the recording collection and dissemination of road collision data, including the enhanced use of the Pulse System by beginning of 2014.
22 March 2013
Susan Gray presents Chief Justice Susan Denham and the Director of Public Prosecution Ms Claire Loftus with a copy of PARC’s guide – “Finding Your Way” following the death or serious injury of a loved one in a road traffic collision.
15 March 2013
As road death figures rise in 2013 with 15 more deaths on Irish roads compared to same period in 2012 PARC welcomes the news that Gardai are now rolling out 243 extra speed-camera locations.
By the end of March 2013 there will be 727 GoSafe safety camera sites with cameras operating on roads which have a history of collisions where speed was a contributory factor. Garda vans operated by the independent organisation “GoSafe”, on behalf of the Gardai since November 2010 are saving lives and preventing injuries on our roads.
If you are caught by a mobile speed camera van, you will receive notification in the post along with an €80 fine and two penalty points. Failure to pay this fine within 28 days will see it increase to €120 and failure to pay this will land you in a district court, four penalty points and up to an €800 fine! A map of locations where the speed cameras will be in operation can be viewed at: garda. ie/gosafe.html.
March 2013
Landmark Case
High Court judge Mr Justice Sean Ryan reduces damages of €190,500 awarded to a woman who suffered injuries resulting from a RTC by 40%. The judge stated that she should have known the driver of the car in which she was a passenger was impaired by alcohol. He also reduced the award because she was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
6 March 2013
Irish Times Article
PARC is deeply concerned that the law introduced nearly two years ago to ensure drivers involved in a fatal or injury related crash are tested for alcohol is not being fully applied.
The Irish Times report today that the Garda computer system has not been updated to take account of the mandatory tests required by law since 2011. The form used by Gardai to record the details of a crash on their PULSE computer system still contains a section where a Garda can state that they "formed an opinion" that no test for alcohol was required. This discretionary power was taken from Gardai on 1 June 2011 with the introduction of the Road Traffic Act 2011.
A Garda spokesman told the Irish Times that the C(T)68 form, used to record the details of a crash, was now going to be updated because it was creating "confusion" but he was unable to state when exactly this update would be completed.
3 March 2013
Road deaths continue to rise with 37 fatalities so far this year compared to 23 for same period in 2012.
25 February 2013
PARC members and supporters sign up for Flora Women’s Mini Marathon 3rd June 2013.
24 February 2013
Alcohol tests are still not being carried out on all surviving uninjured drivers involved in fatal and serious crashes.
22 February 2013
New "Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines". The guidelines published today, relate to car and motor cycle drivers and gives clear guidance to medical professionals in implementing medical 'fitness to drive' policies in Ireland. The Guidelines will enable these professionals to give advice and support to drivers who may have concerns about any condition or disease. As a driver, if you are unsure about whether or not you should report a medical condition, you should seek advice from your doctor or health professional.
These updated Guidelines reflect recent developments in medicine, such as improvements in diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions and has been distributed to all GPs.
Members of the public can download a copy from the RSA website.
21 February 2013
PARC welcomes Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar's announcement that he is considering making "leaving the scene of a road collision" an indictable offence rather than a summary offence. He is bringing the Road Traffic Bill 2013 to the Oireachtas very shortly and will consult with the Attorney General on the issue of making "leaving the scene" a more serious offence with a trial jury at Circuit Court level and the potential for a longer sentence. At present the offence of leaving the scene of a crash is classed as a summary offence which is dealt with in the District Court.
Fianna Fail justice spokesman Mr Niall Collins published his Judicial Sentencing Commission Bill yesterday in the Dail which calls for clear sentencing guidelines without undue interference with judicial independence. He also called for an extension of the time limits for testing for drugs and alcohol after a fatal or serious road traffic crash. At present Gardai have only three hours from the time of the crash to test a driver for alcohol/drugs.
20 February 2013
The Irish Times - Wednesday, February 20, 2013
PARC Road Safety Group spent 6 long hard years campaigning for mandatory alcohol testing for all drivers involved in crashes where someone has been killed or injured and though the law has now been enacted for over 18 months it is not being fully enforced. Figures for 2012 alone reveals that some Gardai are still “ forming an opinion” that testing was not required. PARC calls for our Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar and our Minister for Justice Alan Shatter to pin point the actual districts where these Gardai are still “forming an opinion” and don’t seem to know that testing is required by law since 1 June 2011 in all fatal and injury related crashes
We would like the Minister for Transport, the Minister for Justice and the Road Safety Authority to be watchdogs on this issue so that all uninjured drivers involved in a fatal crash or a crash resulting in injury or where injury is claimed, are tested for alcohol to ensure that our road traffic laws are being fully enforced.
19 February 2013
PARC’s guide is now included in the hospitals website http://www.emed.ie, click on 'Patient-Info'. It is listed under “Death of a loved one in RTC" and "Finding Your Way after RTC" EMed Handbook.
18 February 2013
Road deaths rise as Garda numbers, resources and enforcement levels fall.
30 precious lives lost on Irish roads so far this year compared to 16 for same period in 2012. A recent Parliamentary question was raised asking Minister for Justice Alan Shatter if the 171 new Garda vehicles promised to the Gardai last year will be assigned to An Garda Siochana shortly and to which districts. We were told that the vehicles were purchased last year but a detailed breakdown of when they will be deployed and to which districts was unavailable.
14 February 2013
Garda Ombudsman Commission request additional copies of PARC’s “Finding your Way” guide for victims of road traffic crashes.
13 February 2013
Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar informs PARC that he is addressing our recent road safety concerns.
10/11 February 2013
RTE highlights PARC’s guide “Finding your Way” during interview with Susan Gray. Gay Byrne gives his listeners details of the group’s free booklet for victims.
Parliamentary Question to Minister for Justice Alan Shatter reveals that there are still problems with enforcement levels in relation to the testing of drivers involved in fatal and serious injury crashes for alcohol. The Minister has received assurances from the Garda authorities that every effort is being made to ensure that legislative provisions in the 2011 Road Traffic Act (Mandatory alcohol testing of drivers involved in serious injury crashes) are fully complied with. These measures include communication with all Garda members through a series of instructions and Directives from Garda Headquarters as well as Monthly tactical Assessments by Garda management on the level of compliance.
9 February 2013
141 additional Garda have been trained recently in the use of the station based Evidential Breath Testing machines. A further 79 Garda are due to go for the two day training course in the MBRS. The 22 additional evidential breath testing (intoxilysers) machines requested by Garda in 2009 are now due to be installed into Garda stations nationally.
7 February 2013
The penalty points system was introduced in 2002 and in 2008 the authorities discovered that there was a problem with the system. Although our Minister for Transport Mr Leo Varadkar enacted legislation to close this loophole in 2011, the problem remains. PARC has now informed Ministers of our findings after much research on this issue. Link to PARC letter to Minister Varadkar
27 January 2013
Reporter Michael Clifford "permit found in gutter” article in Sunday Times covers Danny Healy Rae’s motion to Government to let some people in rural parts of Ireland drink and drive!. The motion was passed by Kerry County Council this week but Minister for Justice Alan Shatter condemned it.
19 January 2013
All new driving licences issues in Ireland from today will be in the form of a plastic “credit card”, as a new European Union directive comes into force. The move is part of a move to harmonising EU-wide driving licences.
January 2013
Garda Authorities collect and distribute copies of PARC’s guide for victims of road traffic crashes to all Garda Family Liaison Officers (FLO) nationally. All bereaved families will now receive a copy from the FLO appointed to them.
