Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 (PDF) - Road Safety Authority

822_RSA_Strategy_2012:INSIDE 25/10/2007 11:20 Page 3Introduction from Chairman, RSARoad Safety is one area that makes nonsense of Mark Twain’s famous observation thatthere are “Lies, damned lies – and statistics”.Mr. Gay Byrne,ChairpersonStatistics are the key measures of progress in road safety. There is no arguing the factthat Ireland’s roads have become safer in recent years. In fact, 2006 saw the secondlowest number of fatalities on Irish roads in forty one years, despite the increase inpopulation and number of registered vehicles. However, this is no consolation to thefamilies, communities and workplaces which have been shattered following a death orserious injury on our roads. That is why this strategy sets tough targets for thereduction of death and serious injury and demands trojan effort and delivery from eachand every one of the agencies responsible for actions in the strategy.Recent progress and experience from other countries worldwide prove beyond doubtthat Ireland has the capacity to make significant progress and to become one of the“best practice” countries.This strategy demands tough measures and robust action for Government and itsagencies. It also needs to capture the hearts and minds of the Irish public. We must alltake personal responsibility for the way in which we behave; this strategy seeks toengender a sense of public and personal pride about our behaviours on the road andour performance as a nation.The RSA advises the Minister, who then develops policy for road safety. The RSA willreport on implementation of this policy and on progress against the targets set out. Inaddition the strategy document is a handbook for those with responsibility for makingroad safety happen.On behalf of the RSA Board I commend this strategy to you and assure you that we willdo all that is humanly possible to ensure it is delivered in full so that you and thoseclose to you do not become a tragic statistic.This publication is a major step towards saving lives. Its proposals are backed by bestnational and international research.But I hope the comprehensiveness of this strategy does not detract from one centraltruth – Road safety comes down to individual behaviour.I can make a difference.I will make a difference.Will you?Gay ByrneChairmanOctober, 2007Road Safety Strategy 2007-20123