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Two new Directors to RSA Board
Ms Donna Price, Minister Shane Ross and Ms Gillian Treacy
Transport Minister Shane Ross today appointed two new Board members to the Road Safety Authority. The two new directors are in the area of Road Safety Advocacy; Ms Donna Price and Ms Gillian Treacy.
Minister Ross said:
I am delighted that our new Board members are active in the area of Road Safety Advocacy. Their bravery in the face of personal tragedy has already inspired others and made many aware of the significant dangers on our roads. Their passion and their personal experiences will drive the board to take further measures in pursuit of saving lives.
In addition, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has published a mid-term evaluation report, undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2013–2020.
Minister Ross said:
While I am encouraged by the progress outlined to date in the mid-term evaluation report, I acknowledge that there is still much work to be done to ensure all 144 actions are completed. The implementation and completion of these strategic actions will be essential if we are to achieve the target of 124 fatalities or fewer by 2020. While one death is one death too many, this would mean achieving a 22% reduction in fatalities between now and 2020. That will not happen unless we can continue to increase Garda resources and powers, as well as the penalties for the main killer behaviours like drink driving, speeding and mobile phone use while driving. Maintaining the existing national road network is another important action in the report.
To date this year, 2 persons have been killed on Irish roads, a decrease of 1 when compared to the same period last year. Last year – 2017 – was the safest year on Ireland’s roads since road deaths were first recorded in 1959, with 158 deaths recorded. Previously, 2015 (with 162 deaths) was the safest year on record.