Skip to main content

HRB National Drugs Library

Home > Dail Eireann debate. Written answer 130 - Road safety statistics [6532/13].

[Oireachtas] Dail Eireann debate. Written answer 130 - Road safety statistics [6532/13]. (07 Feb 2013)

External website: http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/Debates%20A...


130. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has received the report from An Garda Siochána that he sought in September 2012 with figures on the number of drivers involved in serious road traffic collisions in 2012; the number of those who were tested for alcohol; the number who were not tested and the reasons for not testing either at the scene, in the Garda station or in the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6532/13] 

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): As I indicated in my response to the Deputy on 13 January, to be of assistance, I have sought and received a full year set of figures for 2012 insofar as the Deputy's query is concerned. I am informed by the Garda authorities that between 1 January, 2012 and 31 December, 2012, there were 208 drivers recorded as being involved in a fatal collision and 403 in a serious injury collision. The following table illustrates the number of drivers who provided a preliminary breath sample at the scene of a fatal or serious injury collision during that period.

 
Fatal Collision
Serious Injury Collision
Total no. drivers
208
403
Total no. drivers provided a preliminary breath sample at collision scene
80
144
I am further informed that analysis of incidents recorded show that 128 drivers involved in a fatal collision and 259 drivers involved in a serious injury collision were not tested at the roadside for a number of reasons. The following table sets out the reasons a preliminary breath sample was not taken at the roadside at the scene of a fatal or serious injury during the period 1 January, 2012 and 31 December, 2012.
 

Fatal Collision

Serious Injury Collision
Driver deceased
74
-
 
Driver taken to hospital
35
136
 
Garda opinion - testing not required
9
52
 
Medical grounds
4
36
 
Insufficient time / Collision reported at Garda station
2
5
 
Serious injury of driver
1
12
 
Hit and run collision
1
6
 
Gardaí unable to ascertain driver identity
1
0
 
Sample to be taken at hospital
1
4
 
Sample to be taken at Garda station
0
3
 
No screening device available within allowed time (1 hour)
0
3
 
Scene of collision not a public place
0
1
 
Collision not investigated at scene
0
1
 
Total no. drivers who did not provide a preliminary breath sample at collision scene
128
259
 
I am advised that in respect of those drivers recorded as being involved in a fatal collision who were not tested at the scene of the collision, 14 drivers subsequently provided a blood/urine sample at the hospital and 3 drivers subsequently provided a sample at a Garda station. In total, 93 drivers are recorded as being tested either at the roadside, hospital, or Garda station.
 
 
I am further advised by the Garda authorities that each collision can have a very contrasting set of circumstances and the preservation of life is paramount. In that regard, instructions have been issued to members of an Garda Síochána emphasising the mandatory requirement to breath test drivers at the scene of both fatal and serious injury collisions taking into account the particular circumstances arising in incidents of serious injury. I can also inform the Deputy that my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and I have since received assurances from the Garda authorities that every effort is being made to ensure the relevant legislative provisions 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.
 
Dáil Éireann Debate
Unrevised
Vol. 791 No. 3
Item Type
Dail Debates
Publication Type
Irish-related
Drug Type
Alcohol
Intervention Type
Crime prevention
Source
Oireachtas
Date
7 February 2013
EndNote
View
Subjects
A Substance use and dependence > Substance related societal (social) problems > Alcohol / drinking and driving
B Substances > Alcohol
MM-MO Crime and law > Substance transportation laws (driving)
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland

Repository Staff Only: item control page