Irish drivers think speeding is acceptable: survey

Despite the high numbers of fatalities on Ireland's roads, seven-out-of-10 drivers believe that excess speed – at 10mph above the limit – is acceptable, according to a survey published today.

An online survey of almost 2,500 drivers in Ireland, conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC) and the Car Buyers Guide, also found that 40% of drivers believe it is acceptable to break the speed limit on local and regional roads. Excess speed on these types of roads accounts for the majority of fatal accidents (60%) and the majority of fatal accidents where speed was a factor, the survey said.

The study highlights the need to for road users to reduce their speed in the run up to the August Bank Holiday period – a period which claimed fives lives last year.

Speed-related crashes in the Republic contribute to the deaths of about 150 people each year, serious injury to about 600 people each year and minor injury to over 3,000 people.

The estimated cost to the community of speed related crashes could be about €355 million a year.

NSC chairman Eddie Shaw said that many drivers had a "killer attitude" when it came to excess speed.

“At any speed a car is a lethal weapon. As drivers we don’t really understand speed and we seriously underestimate the consequences of driving fast," he said.

"I would say to people understand the nature of speed, understand the destructive force of your car and please, please slow down.”

An average car travelling at 5mph over the 30mph limit will need another 21 feet to stop - for a pedestrian this is a killing distance, Mr Shaw said.

Superintendent Declan O’Brien, from the Garda National Traffic Bureau, said that police will be focusing speeding, drunk driving and the non-wearing of seatbelts over the bank holiday period. Checkpoints will be set up at collision prone locations in an effort to reduce the continuous carnage on our roads, he said.

"This bank holiday weekend we don’t want any more deaths we do not want to be knocking on the door of your family home with heart breaking news. Our advice is slow down, never drink and drive and always wear a safety belt,” Sup Int O'Brien said.

Road users have also been urged to maintain a safe distance behind others vehicles, and be alert for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

(gmcg)