Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the statistics for male drivers under 30 years involved in fatal accidents each year over the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37917/12]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the number of fatal accidents involving male drivers under 30 years, his proposals to deal with problem ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37921/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1209 and 1211 together.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the statutory body responsible for compiling, preparing, publishing and distributing collision statistics. I understand from the RSA that the following table illustrates the number of male drivers, in the 17 - 30 age group, that were involved in fatal collisions during the period 2000 - 2010.

All male drivers in the 17 - 30 age group involved in fatal collisions for the period 2000 - 2010

Collision data identifies young male drivers as vulnerable persons in terms of road safety and, in that regard, An Garda Síochána conducts specific operations to improve the compliance culture and reduce the level of death and injuries among such drivers. The Garda authorities are working with relevant stakeholders, in particular the Road Safety Authority, to promote road safety through the media, in schools and third level institutions. Garda Road Safety Awareness Programmes are also focussed on enhancing compliance with road traffic laws and reducing the incidence of fatal and serious injury collisions within this target group.

The Minister is also informed that the Garda authorities continue to analyse collision history on the road network. Speed enforcement zones are utilised to ensure targeted and proportionate speed enforcement activity with the overall objective of reducing the number of speed related collisions and serious injuries on our roads. Furthermore, An Garda Síochána carry out planned and ‘ad hoc’ checkpoints, including Mandatory Alcohol Testing.

Traffic Corps personnel, assisted by both regular uniform and plain clothes personnel regularly target areas where young male drivers congregate and conduct mobile patrols and checkpoints in these areas. Websites are monitored to assist in establishing where such events are taking place and to implement the necessary response. As part of their duties, members of An Garda Síochána regularly interact with such road users, which may result in informal resolution (caution / admonition), issue of Fixed Charge Notices and / or the initiation of formal proceedings, where appropriate.