Rate of child pedestrian deaths highest in EU
Tuesday, 26 April 2005 22:26
Figures show that the rate of child fatalities among pedestrian deaths last year is higher in Ireland than anywhere else in the European Union.
Ireland also has the third highest pedestrian death rate in the EU.
24 pedestrians were killed in road accidents in Dublin last year, more than double the 11 lives lost in 2003.
A campaign has been launched by the gardaí to raise awareness about the problem in the capital.
The initiative, which is supported by bus and rail services, aims to highlight the importance of road safety amongst pedestrians, particularly in relation to trucks and other large vehicles.
Trucks or buses were involved in two thirds of road accidents where pedestrians were killed last year.
Leaflets and posters are to be distributed to schools, post offices, health board centres and community and parish centres as part of the campaign.
Gardaí will also be distributing high-visibility wrist bands to combat the high percentage of fatal pedestrian accidents occurring at night.
