Death toll on Cork roads dropsbyathird
FIGURES compiled by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) showed that 2017 was the safest year on Irish roads since road deaths were first recorded in 1959.
While 158 people lost their lives on Irish roads, the 2017 total represented a 15% reduction on the figure of 186 in 2016 and was the first time that the total number of fatalities within a single calendar year had dropped below 160 since records began.
That trend was reflected in Cork, where 14 died on our roads, a drop of 33% on the figure for 2016 of 21.
Eager to see this trend continue into 2018, the RSA has been puttogether a comprehensive programme of safety showcase events and seminars that will be taking place across the country during the year.
On Sunday, February 4 a free road safety event will take place from 9.30am to 4pm in the car-park of the Mitchelstown Leisure Centre in conjunction with cork County Council.
The RSA Road Safety Interaction Unit, also know as the ‘Shuttle’, will be on site providing people with an opportunity to experience immersive simulations through its innovate ‘roll over’ simulator.
Fitted to a hydraulic platform it imitates 90 and 180 degree roll over situations, demonstrating the critical importance of wearing seat belts.
The simulator will also allow drivers, motorcyclists and cyclist to test their road and hazard perception skills. The ‘shuttle’ roadshow will also offer visitors the chance to find out how speed and weathers conditions affect breaking distances, the dangers of fatigue and using mobile phones while driving and tyre safety.
A spokesperson for the RSA encouraged people to come along to the free event.
“The main aim of the shuttle is to provide the general public and other target audiences teh opportunity to interact with various road safety campaigns and spread the message about the importance of road safety.”
For more information about the shuttle visit www.rsa.ie.