Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Today the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, launched a day of remembrance for the victims of road accidents in Ireland.

Next Sunday victims of road collisions globally will be remembered on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. To mark the day, the Road Safety Authority, local authorities and members of An Garda Síochána and the emergency services are joining forces to urge people to monitor their behaviour on the roads as a mark of respect to those who have lost their lives in traffic accidents. Since records began in 1959, 23,600 people have died on Irish roads. Of the 166 who died in the past 12 months, one in five was not wearing a safety belt. That is an alarming statistic. The RSA, local authority road safety officers and road safety support organisations throughout the country have organised masses, services and commemorative events to take place next Sunday to remember the lives lost and the lives changed forever. For every person lost on the roads, hundreds more are devastated. Behind every tragedy lies a traumatised family and community. The number of people lost since 1959 is equivalent to two thirds of the population of Dundalk. I am calling on the Leader to arrange an urgent debate on the issue. It is imperative that we take a moment to consider the changes we can all make to keep the roads free of carnage and ensure fewer families will be grieving for loved ones this Christmas.