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One third of drivers killed weren't wearing their seatbelt

A worrying finding from the RSA and gardaí today.

THE ROAD SAFETY Authority and Gardaí have warned that a further 100 people could lose their lives on Irish roads before the year’s over.

A review of road deaths for the first seven months of 2015 published today showed that Sunday was the worst day of the week for fatalities, compared to mid-week last year.

Most deaths happened in the afternoon and evening (4pm to 10pm).

The CEO of the RSA has also highlighted a worrying finding today – that over a third of drivers killed on the roads so far this year weren’t wearing their seatbelts.

shutterstock_69312310 Shutterstock / Frank Wasserfuehrer Shutterstock / Frank Wasserfuehrer / Frank Wasserfuehrer

“Every time you think about taking a risk on the roads, remember that you have no idea who or what is up ahead or around the corner,” Moyagh Murdock said.

“Don’t spend a lifetime regretting one bad decision.”

She noted:

Of particular concern is the fact that of the 41 drivers and 16 passengers killed to date in 2015, 15 drivers and four passengers killed were reported as not wearing their seatbelt.

There was some good news amongst the figures:

  • Road deaths are down 19 per cent compared to last year (92 to 113).
  • Reductions in road deaths were most evident in road users under 15 (down 11). 
  • There was also a reduction among vehicle occupants (down 9)

However:

  • Younger and older drivers continue to remain a high risk group.
  • And the non-wearing of high visibility material is a concern for pedestrians, according to the Authority.

Geographically:

  • The highest number of driver fatalities was recorded in Cork (6).
  • Dublin recorded the highest number of ‘vulnerable road user’ fatalities with 7 lives lost between January and July.

Looking at the monthly breakdown:

  • April had the lowest number of monthly fatalities since November 2012 with 8 fatalities.
  • July was the most dangerous month, with 20 lives lost.

Transport minister Paschal Donohoe has welcomed the reduction in fatalities:

“In the first seven months of this year, there have been 21 fewer deaths on our roads. While any reduction in road fatalities is to be welcomed, the month just gone was the worst on our roads so far this year, so we cannot and must not become complacent. If I could ask just one thing of everyone, it is that every time you use the roads, you treat other road-users with respect and consideration. By sharing the road safely together, we can all play a role in saving lives.”

According to the RSA:

While one death is one too many, it is estimated that a further 100 people may die before the end of the year. However by taking greater responsibility and working together, all road users can prevent this chilling prediction from occurring.

Read: Willie O’Dea made some startling revelations on TV3 last night

Read: Boy (4) dies after accident at his parents’ brewery

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    Mute Animal
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    Mar 19th 2014, 9:15 AM

    Will it be compatible with Playstation 1

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    Mute Chris Creaven
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    Mar 19th 2014, 9:36 AM

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    Mute Chris Creaven
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    Mar 19th 2014, 9:34 AM

    Wait for the nudie parts. In GTA up ya boyo

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    Mar 19th 2014, 9:39 AM

    Ya can say that again

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    Mute Patrick Shelton
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    Mar 19th 2014, 9:28 AM

    O.R for the PC or the Sony P.M version… either way VR is coming :)

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    Mute eye_c_u__
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    Mar 19th 2014, 9:53 AM

    I remember it as a cool fad in early 90s.

    I tried it out with big headset. Seemed amazing for its time but then just disappeared

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    Mute Glangan
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    Mar 19th 2014, 1:28 PM

    I don’t own a PS4 but I want one anyway – they just look cool.

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    Mute Shane Kearney
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    Mar 19th 2014, 5:07 PM

    Careful what you wish for…..got mine at launch and it has been gathering dust since. Much more happening on the aul’ ps3

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    Mute Darren Turner
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    Mar 19th 2014, 9:06 AM

    Complete rip off of ocullous rift

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    Mute Liam Byrne
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    Mar 19th 2014, 9:16 AM

    Nope. They’ve said that they’ve been working on it for a few years. No doubt oculus rift gave them the kick they needed to reveal it.
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    Mute Jimbo Murphy
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    Mar 19th 2014, 9:23 AM

    Complete rip off of virtual boy

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    Mute Brendan Harlowe
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    Mar 19th 2014, 11:43 AM

    Stop they all robbed the idea off lawnmower man anyways!

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    Mute bandido
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    Mar 19th 2014, 9:57 AM

    WHOOO 90 degree vision , not much use

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    Mute Des Smyth
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    Mar 19th 2014, 9:57 AM

    Oculus has had a huge head start with Dev kits in the market for over a year with all industries from military to NASA currently developing with them. Don’t think Oculus need to worry about the big bad Sony coming to market

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    Mute Liam Byrne
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    Mar 19th 2014, 10:45 AM

    I hope oculus do really well. Apparently the tech is quite similar in both, so they’ll both help push VR. Hopefully the devices won’t be restricted to single platforms.

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    Mute Des Smyth
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    Mar 19th 2014, 11:23 AM

    I know Oculus will work on several platforms they are even developing it to work on Android. I was going to buy the dev kit but I’m holding off now for the consumer version

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    Mute Graham Kavanagh
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    Mar 19th 2014, 4:29 PM

    Funny though, when X1 was announced with Kinect as standard, people complained they just wanted a controller and play the traditional way…. And to sit playing it….

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    Mute Des Smyth
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    Mar 20th 2014, 9:31 AM

    Funny Oculus Dev kit 2 released yesterday #goodtiming

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    Mute bandido
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    Mar 19th 2014, 9:56 AM

    WHOOO 99 degree vision, not much use

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