County of Kerry Road Safety Plan

Transcription

1 County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6- To reduce the incidence and severity of collisions, road user fatality and injury on Kerry roads by Education, Engineering, Enforcement & Evaluation.

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHIEF EXECUTIVE CATHAOIRLEACH OF KERRY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, CAPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE & SAFETY CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT, AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA (KERRY DIVISION) OPERATIONS RESOURCE MANAGER KERRY (HSE) INTRODUCTION MISSION STATEMENT OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY STAKEHOLDERS PROFILE OF COUNTY KERRY KERRY ROAD NETWORK ROAD SAFETY WHAT IT MEANS NATIONAL CONTEXT LOCAL CONTEXT STATISTICS ROAD FATALITIES AND INJURIES THE FACTS/MEASURES COST TO SOCIETY ACTION PLAN 6- (APPENDIX ) EDUCATION ENGINEERING ENFORCEMENT EVALUATION ACRONYMS CHIEF EXECUTIVE. CATHAOIRLEACH OF KERRY I am pleased to present the County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6- which I believe will assist with the development of a co-ordinated approach to the serious issue of road safety in our County. During the lifetime of the previous Plan 8 to the average number of fatalities on the road network in County Kerry declined to, varying from 9 in 8 to 7 in. Whilst welcoming the reduction in that period, there were a further fatalities from to, which is disappointing. The loss of any life on our road network is tragic, particularly for the family of the bereaved and I welcome this co-ordinated initiative by the principle agencies to endeavour in seeking a reduction in serious injury and fatality on our roads. The successful implementation of the Plan will be dependant, not only on the principle organisations charged with responsibility for road safety, but by all road users in the County of Kerry. The County of Kerry Road Safety Plan focuses on implementing the four E s Education, Engineering, Enforcement & Evaluation. It is my belief that a pro-active approach to educating people on road safety issues is the way forward and is essential in order to instil the principle of being a responsible road user from a young age. Along with this, effective engineering and enforcement measures will be vital to achieving success. Moira Murrell Chief Executive In the past decade (6 to ), 9 people lost their lives on Kerry s roads. Countless others have been left with life changing injuries and the consequences, for their families and dependents, are horrific. The County of Kerry Road Safety Plan represents an effective Plan within Kerry by all the agencies involved (Kerry County Council, An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, National Transport Authority and the Health Service Executive). Through working together, sharing our knowledge, expertise and experience, we aim to develop a safer environment for all road users, through educating drivers and those using our roads, improving road standards and enforcing legislation, with the primary objective of reducing the carnage on our roads within the lifetime of the Plan. On behalf of Kerry County Council I commend this Plan to you and support the initiatives outlined to save lives and prevent serious injuries. Michael O Shea Cathaoirleach of Kerry County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-

3 . DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, CAPITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAFETY 4. CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT, AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA (KERRY DIVISION) There has been a significant investment in our roads infrastructure since the mid 99 s as well as changes in legislation with greater enforcement activity to change our behaviour on the road. There is no arguing the fact that our roads have become safer when examined in the context of the significant increase in population and registered vehicles on our roads. However, this is no consolation to the families, communities and workplaces devastated by a fatality or serious injury from road traffic collisions. Significant changes in infrastructure and enforcement have made our roads safer. However, notwithstanding the combined commitment and effort of Local Authorities, An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and many others, peoples attitudes and behaviour on the road must change, otherwise, fatal collisions will continue unabated. The County of Kerry Road Safety Plan will assist with the development and co-ordination of a combined approach to reducing fatalities and serious injury on our roads. The core element of this Plan is based on the four E s of road safety Education, Engineering, Enforcement and Evaluation. We are committed to working in partnership to maximise our resources in increasing awareness amongst all road users of their responsibilities on the road and to developing a safer environment for the benefit of our citizens. An Garda Síochána as the National Police Force are committed to increasing the safety of all road users. As the Divisional Officer for the County of Kerry, I am resolute in ensuring the people of Kerry and the many visitors to our County engage in safe driving practices. A key stanchion of our strategy will be enforcement of Road Traffic Legislation. It is accepted that targeted traffic enforcement will help to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our roads and challenge dangerous road user behaviour. We will use targeted enforcement based on intelligence and analysis, as well as education and prevention programmes to reduce serious injuries and fatalities. Fatal road traffic collisions are a tragedy and the devastation they cause can be widespread. Families, friends and indeed entire communities suffer the devastating consequences. An Garda Síochána are committed to reducing the number of fatal and serious injury traffic collisions going forward. Critical to achieving this goal is our commitment to working in unison with Kerry County Council, the Road Safety Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and many others, to ensure a concentrated focus on reducing collisions of this nature. T. Myers Chief Superintendent Charlie O Sullivan Director of Operations, Capital Infrastructure & Safety County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-

4 . OPERATIONS RESOURCE MANAGER KERRY (HSE) 6. INTRODUCTION The Health Service Executive, through the National Hospitals Office, has the responsibility for the provision of Pre-Hospital Emergency Care and the transport of patients and clients from hospital to hospital, nursing homes and other health care institutions, through its National Ambulance Service. The Ambulance Service is delighted to be associated with the Road Safety Authority in assisting people to understand that, while some collisions happen, many are caused and these type of collisions may be preventable. The Ambulance Service would like to promote, in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority, that each and every one of us is expected to behave and act responsibly when using our roads. Full concentration in all areas of road usage is required at all times and, when it comes to speeding, slow down, for it is better to be five minutes late than dead on time. Pat O Callaghan Operations Resource Manager Kerry County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-6 This five year Action Plan is designed to ensure a co-ordinated, collaborative, integrated and consistent approach to improving road safety for all road users and will focus on the four E s of Road Safety Education, Engineering, Enforcement and Evaluation. The committed support of these key services is necessary for the success of this crucial Plan. A County of Kerry Road Safety Working Together Group, recognised by the Road Safety Authority, has been established to provide support to the Council in its promotion of road safety in the County (Action 4 of the Road Safety Strategy - Establish a Road Safety Working Together Group (RSWTG) in each Local Authority area to co-ordinate multi-agency road safety policy and implementation at a local level). The Working Group meets quarterly to develop and implement road safety initiatives and campaigns. Membership of the group is drawn from Kerry County Council, An Garda Síochána, Road Safety Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and from the Health Service Executive. All the aforementioned organisations have contributed to and agreed the new Plan. The Plan draws on ongoing initiatives and identifies new measures aimed at improving safety on our roads. The Plan is a living document, which sets out clearly the actions to be undertaken to improve road safety. Each measure is accompanied by the agency responsible for achieving it and the timescale by which it must be completed. The Plan has been designed to address the contributory factors to road collisions in the County which in particular include, speed, drink-driving, fatigue, non wearing of seatbelts, and use of mobile phones. The Plan will remain flexible in that it will be evaluated and reviewed on an ongoing basis and will be adapted to reflect new legislation that may occur during the five year period. County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-7

5 6. MISSION STATEMENT 6. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY To reduce the incidence and severity of collisions, road user fatality and injury on Kerry roads by Education, Engineering, Enforcement & Evaluation 6. OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN To promote and improve the level of road safety on Kerry roads by the implementation of measures based on the road safety elements of Education, Engineering, Enforcement and Evaluation. This Plan will incorporate each of these elements and build on best practice to deliver these objectives. These elements will apply to all road users to make our roads safer especially for vulnerable road users and will apply across all modes of transport. The County of Kerry Road Safety Plan will be implemented jointly and collaboratively by the relevant stakeholders. The Plan is developed to promote: Safer Road Users Safer Roads Safer Vehicles To improve road user behaviour by co-ordinating public education and awareness through schools and community based action To create a safer road environment by efficient management of the road network in County Kerry To promote the use of safer vehicles through education and enforcement measures County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-8 The Road Safety Working Together Group (RSWTG), led by Kerry County Council, was established in January 6. Its main role is to oversee the development and implementation of a County of Kerry Road Safety Plan. Membership of the group is drawn from Kerry County Council, Road Safety Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive. The Road Safety Authority () maintains the national records of road collisions as reported by An Garda Síochána. The continually analyses this information and periodically publishes reports on this analysis. The known contributory factors of road collisions include driver and pedestrian error and road, vehicle and environmental factors, all of which contribute to present challenges in trying to tackle the road safety issue. In the European Union (EU) more than 4, people die and in excess of.7 million are injured in road collisions each year, costing an estimated 6 billion (EU Community Database on Accidents on the Roads in Europe). Road traffic injuries are currently placed at number nine on the World Health Organisation top ten health problems. It is estimated that the scale of the problem is such that by it will become number three. Road safety is a key priority in national Government policy. The County of Kerry Road Safety Plan will underpin the work of the Road Safety Authority and help co-ordinate all road safety initiatives within the County. The Government Road Safety Strategy - establishes a number of primary and secondary targets for achievement under the general headings of Education, Enforcement, Engineering and Evaluation. Based on these targets, the County of Kerry Road Safety Working Together Group has developed a set of objectives around these strategic themes in an effort to increase road safety on Kerry roads. These themes are further categorised to include the areas of community involvement, safer road users, safer roads and co-ordination and communication. In order to achieve the stated objectives, the Plan has been developed for a five-year period. The Plan will be reviewed on an annual basis. It must be acknowledged that the lead partners have a responsibility to implement this Plan but that all road users have a role to play in the endeavour to realise the reduction of fatalities and serious and minor injuries on our roads. County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-9

6 7. STAKEHOLDERS Kerry County Council Kerry County Council is the statutory body for the construction and maintenance of public roads in the County. Safety of all road users underpins the key principles of the planning, design and development of new and improved roads. Regular maintenance of the network is necessary to provide a safe and efficient network to serve the needs of the County for Industrial, Agricultural, Tourism and Community Development. A public road is one where a Local Authority has responsibility for maintenance and where a public right of way exists. Kerry County Council maintains a schedule and maps under Part II of the Roads Act 99 and the Roads Regulations 994 (S.I No 9 of 994) of all public roads in its charge. An Garda Síochána The mission of An Garda Síochána in its Corporate Strategy is to achieve the highest attainable level of personal protection, community commitment and state security. This includes a number of strategic goals in the area of Traffic and Road Safety in an attempt to significantly reduce the incidence of fatal and serious injuries and improve road safety. The Road Safety Authority, Kerry County Council and An Garda Síochána are closely linked in terms of road safety initiatives. Road Safety Authority The aim of the Road Safety Authority () is to save lives and prevent injuries by reducing the number and severity of collisions on our roads. The research, educate and protect road users by improving their knowledge, skills and behaviours as they move through life. The assess driving standards, promote remedial training and licence drivers according to entitlements and sets standards for vehicles, test against minimum standards and support compliance amongst commercial vehicle drivers and operators and enforce where necessary. The works closely with Kerry County Council in the drive to reduce the level of fatalities and injuries occurring on our roads. The has given its full support and co-operation to the County of Kerry Road Safety Working Together Group in its implementation of the County of Kerry Road Safety Plan. Transport Infrastructure Ireland The National Roads Authority merged with the Railway Procurement on st August, to establish a single new entity called Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The primary function of TII under the terms of the Roads Act () is to secure the provision of a safe and efficient network of national roads.tii s mission statement is to contribute to improving people s quality of life and to economic competitiveness by developing, maintaining and operating the national road network in a safe, cost effective and sustainable manner. The TII has overall responsibility for planning and oversight of construction and maintenance standards on our National Roads. TII provide a Regional Road Safety Engineer for the South West region who liaises with Kerry County Council regarding issues of road safety on national roads. Health Service Executive The Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for providing Health and Personal Social Services for everyone living in the Republic of Ireland. The HSE operates 4 hours a day, seven days a week. One of the key objectives is to provide statistics and information on injuries sustained as a result of a road traffic collision and conditions which may influence driver behaviour, such as blood alcohol level, drug use or underlying medical conditions. Joint Policing Committee Under Section 6 of the Garda Síochána Act, Joint Policing Committees (JPC s) have been established in Local Authority areas to provide a forum where the Local Authorities, senior Gardaí, members of the Oireachtas and community representatives can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting policing in that area. Kerry County Council s Director of Operations, Capital Infrastructure & Safety, Senior Engineer, Operations Capital Infrastructure & Safety are members of the Road Safety joint policing sub-committee.this forum allows for exchange of valuable information on key issues that can assist Elected Members in policy development. In each division throughout the Country, there are Garda Traffic Corps units dedicated to the enforcement of road traffic legislation, the improvement of driver behaviour and traffic management generally. An Garda Síochána aims to reduce the incidence of fatal and serious injury traffic collisions, improve road safety and target groups of drivers most likely to be involved in dangerous driving offences. County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6- County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-

7 8. PROFILE OF COUNTY KERRY 8. KERRY ROAD NETWORK The road network is managed from Arás an Chontae, through the 4 Municipal District Offices as follows: 9. NATIONAL CONTEXT County Kerry is located in the South West of Ireland and covers an area of,8 sq. miles. County Kerry is the fifth largest County in Ireland, a gateway, tourism and cultural hub, and the level of industrial and commercial activity places increased demands on the existing road network. A large number of the population live in rural areas outside of the three main towns of Tralee, Killarney and Listowel with a resultant high dependency on cars as the principle mode of transport. The population of County Kerry in the Census was 4, (7,69 males and 7,87 females), compared to 9,8 persons in 6 and,7 persons in and 6, persons in 996. The Central Statistics Office (CSO) released the Preliminary Report for Census 6 on 4th June, 6. The preliminary results are the initial count of the Census. The Population of County Kerry in the Preliminary Report for Census 6 is 47,4 (7,9 males and 74, females). There is a percentage increase of.4% on the Census figures i.e., persons. Demographic projections indicate a population for the County of 67, persons by. It is also expected that the level of car ownership will increase to approximately cars per population. These trends would suggest that the number of cars registered in the County will increase to almost 9, by. Whilst this underlines the challenge to develop a more efficient public transport network in the County and to encourage greater usage of alternative modes of transport, due to the peripheral nature of the County this level of car ownership is realistic. Roads are classified under the following headings: National Roads Regional Roads Local Roads The Kerry road network is extensive and in total comprises 4,88 km, made up as follows: National Primary National Secondary Regional Local 98km 7km 7km 99km National Primary and National Secondary roads are the major roads in the County linking the major towns and being the major routes into the County. These are the main link routes between National Routes and link the larger towns and villages. Include all public roads not falling under the National or Regional categories. Kerry County Council together with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) continue to implement engineering measures on these roads with a particular emphasis on road safety. Road services are delivered through the County s Municipal District Offices and the Kerry National Road Design Office with management and administrative support from the Operations, Capital Infrastructure & Safety directorate based in the County Buildings, Tralee. Electoral Area Tralee Municipal District Killarney Municipal District Listowel Municipal District South & West Municipal District 9. ROAD SAFETY WHAT IT MEANS Engineering Area Tralee Killarney Castleisland Listowel Caherciveen Daingean Uí Chúis/Dingle Kenmare Killorglin The asset value of the road network in Kerry is almost billion. It must be managed, maintained and improved to provide maximum benefit for all the community. It must be maintained effectively and efficiently and protected from abuse and premature deterioration. Road networks have been provided to allow for movement of persons, and goods throughout the State and all users are entitled to safe passage on the network. There is an onus on all road users to use the network in a responsible and safe manner and respect its use for themselves and by others. The first national Road Safety Strategy The Road to Safety 998- set a main target of a reduction of a minimum of % in road deaths and serious injuries. Other targets related to enforcing the provisions of the Road Traffic Acts in relation to speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, seat-belt wearing as well as implementing engineering measures to reduce collision rates at high collision locations. The introduction of the penalty points system in late had a significant impact on raising road safety awareness. To follow was a Road Safety Strategy 4-6 which targeted a reduction in the average level of fatalities. The main target was a % reduction on the average number of road deaths between 998 and which would result in no more than deaths per annum by the end of the period of the strategy. Secondary target areas addressed measures related to speeding (speed limit review), seat-belt use, driving while intoxicated, engineering measures and vulnerable road users. The third Road Safety Strategy 7- sought to engender a sense of public and personal pride about our behaviours on the road and our performance as a nation, thus encouraging the public to take responsibility in the way we behave. The primary aim of the strategy was to reduce collisions, fatalities and injuries on Irish roads. The identified a number of key behaviours to be changed by the actions of the Strategy including inappropriate speeding, impaired driving through alcohol, drugs or fatigue, not using seat-belts and child restraints, unsafe behaviour towards/by vulnerable road users. Education and Evaluation were the key elements where most of the work was done by the. County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6- County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-

8 The current Road Safety Strategy Road Safety Strategy - which targets a reduction of road collision fatalities on Irish roads to per million population or less by, to close the gap between Ireland and the safest Countries. This means reducing deaths from 6 in to 4 or fewer by. A provisional target for the reduction of serious injuries by % from 47 () or fewer to by or 6 per million population has also been set. The Road Safety Strategy - sets out a clear and ambitious target for reducing serious injuries on our roads, as well as new targets for reducing fatalities. The challenge for the Road Safety Strategy - is to avoid complacency, build on the culture that has developed, and ensure that Irish road users continue to engage in saving lives, preventing injuries and making Ireland one of the safest Countries in the EU. 9. LOCAL CONTEXT Membership of the Road Safety Working Together Group is drawn from Kerry County Council, Road Safety Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive. The group meet on a quarterly basis and is Chaired by the Senior Engineer in Kerry County Council s Operations, Capital Infrastructure & Safety Department. Members of the group are as follows: Member Mr. David Doyle Mr. Brian Lennon Ms. Michelle Mullane Ms. Lucy Curtis Inspector Anthony Sugrue Ms. Eileen Cunningham Mr. Brendan Galwey Organisation Kerry County Council Kerry County Council Kerry County Council Transport Infrastructure Ireland An Garda Síochána Road Safety Authority Health Service Executive The aims of the County of Kerry Road Safety Working Together Group in the coming years are as follows: Develop objectives for the reduction and prevention of road collisions Develop strategies to achieve these objectives Involve other agencies in the process Develop a monitoring system for implementation Agree actions to be progressed over the lifetime of the County of Kerry Road Safety Plan Ensure that each of the Municipal Districts in Kerry benefit from the implementation of the County of Kerry Road Safety Plan Having regard to the recommendations from the Road Safety Authority s Road Safety Strategy -, Kerry County Council in conjunction with the stakeholders will promote road safety initiatives in the County, supported by the Elected Members of Kerry County Council.. STATISTICS There were 49 lives lost on Kerry roads as a result of road traffic collisions between and, with Kerry having the fifth highest number of fatalities per County. Deaths per County, Five years Leitrim Clare Laois Sligo Carlow Deaths per County, Five years - Waterford Kilkenny Longford Roscommon Cavan Figure : Number of deaths by County over a year period - - Note: Figures for -4 validated by the. Figures for provisional and subject to change Offaly Wicklow Westmeath Monaghan Louth Wexford Meath Limerick Kildare Donegal Tipperary Kerry Mayo Galway Dublin Cork The table hereunder gives a breakdown of the fatalities in County Kerry by year. County 4 Total years Kerry The average number of road fatalities per year in Kerry - is, ranging from a low of 7 fatalities in and to a high of 4 in 4. County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-4 County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-

9 . FATALITIES ON IRISH ROADS. THE CAUSES OF COLLISIONS. ROAD USER DEATHS NATIONALLY -4 In, the lowest number of road fatalities (66) since (6) was recorded. In the period January-December there were 9 fatal collisions resulting in 66 fatalities on Irish roads. Between 4 and there was a 4% reduction in road fatalities nationally. This represents (%) fewer collisions and 7 (4%) less deaths compared to provisional Garda data for the same period in 4. Reductions in the number of road fatalities were observed in most road user categories, however, the number of drivers stayed the same. Driver and passenger fatalities represent just over three in every five fatalities (6%) in, and vulnerable road users (pedestrians, motorcyclists and pedal cyclists) represent almost two in five (8%). The greatest change in profile observed was a % decline in passenger fatalities (down from 9 to 7). This represents a net decline in vehicle occupant fatalities (drivers and passengers) of % ( to ) between 4 and. There was an overall 9% reduction among vulnerable road users in with the most notable decrease evident among pedestrians. There was an increase in fatalities on the age groups of 6- (up from to 4) and also 6-6 (up from 7 to ). Sunday was the most dangerous day on Irish roads in, with a total of lives lost. There was also a weekday peak on Tuesday (8). The highest number of fatalities in occurred between am and pm () and 4pm and 6pm (9). Note: Figures from provisional and subject to change The causes of road traffic collisions are varied and multiple. Human error, mechanical failure and a deficient environment are the three primary causes of collisions on the roads and usually, it is a combination of a number of contributory factors. In the Road Safety Authority study of fatal collisions that occurred between 8 and it was found that the primary cause of road collisions, fatalities and injuries in Ireland are: Speeding Speed inappropriate for, or inconsistent with, the prevailing circumstances or driving conditions Impaired driving Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs Driver fatigue Driving while over-tired and/or unable to remain awake Figure. Road User Deaths Nationally -4 *Car user is defined as either a driver or passenger Car user Other vehicle user Motorcyclists Pedal Cyclist Pedestrians Of the 66 fatalities, there were 76 Drivers killed, 7 Passengers, Pedestrians, Motorcyclists and 9 Pedal Cyclists. Kerry was one of the Counties with the highest number of Motorcyclist fatalities () and pedal cyclist fatalities () in. The highest number of fatalities on our roads were among those aged 6- (4) and aged over 66 (). There was a significant decrease in passenger fatalities from 4 to (down from 9 to 7). Driver fatalities remained at 76 fatalities for both years. of those killed were male (78%). There was a high incident of no seatbelt as a factor in fatal collisions (9%) in known cases. Non-use of seatbelts Failure to use or property use seatbelts and child safety restraints Vulnerable Road Users Unsafe behaviour towards/by vulnerable road users (pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists, young children and older people) (, 6. Fatal Collisions 8-, Excessive Speed as a Factor) In addition, the Road Safety Authority study of fatal collisions that occurred between 8 and found that the largest proportions of drivers deemed to be responsible or part responsible for the collision with defective tyres on their vehicles were in Donegal (8.%), Cork, Kerry and Wexford (9.% each). Road user Pedestrian 44 Pedal Cyclist Motorcyclists Car user* Other vehicle user 4 yrs County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-6 (, 6. Fatal Collisions 8-, Vehicle Factors) County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-7

10 .4 ROAD USER DEATHS KERRY -. ROAD USER DEATHS KERRY -.6 PRIMARY COLLISION TYPES FOR KERRY 4 Car user Other vehicle user Motorcyclists Pedal Cyclist Car user Motorcyclists Pedal Cyclist Pedestrians There was 4 collisions recorded in Kerry in 4 and fatal collisions resulted in 4 fatalities. 4 All Recorded Collisions in Kerry (provisional figures) Material Damage only 4 County Kerry Fatal Collisions Serious Injury Minor Injury Material Damage Only Pedestrians Serious Injury Fatal Serious Minor injury Material Damage Only Minor Injury Angle collision Fatal Collisions Cyclist 4 Head on Head on right turn 8 Figure. Road User Deaths Kerry - Note: Figures for -4 validated by the. Figures for provisional and subject to change * Car user is defined as either a driver or passenger Figure 4. Road User Deaths Kerry Note: Figures from provisional and subject to change *Car user is defined as either a driver or passenger Figure. All Recorded Collisions in Kerry 4 Single vehicle Pedestrian Rear end Road user Pedestrian Pedal Cyclist Motorcyclists KY KY KY 4 yrs KY KY KY KY 6 yrs Collisions Types in Kerry (provisonal figures) Single vehicle Cyclist Pedestrian Rear end Sideswipe 6 Total % of all collisions recorded in 4 were single vehicle collisions 6% of all fatal collisions in 4 were single vehicle collisions 947 Car user * 7 9 Sideswipe Head on Other vehicle user Angle Colision Head on right turn County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-8 Figure 6. Collision types in Kerry 4 County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-9

11 .7 WHEN DO FATAL ROAD TRAFFIC COLLISIONS OCCUR IN KERRY - TIME OF DAY/MONTH - Month, Deaths in Kerry - Figure 7 below indicates the high risk period during a 4 hour day. A significant increase in the number of fatalities in Kerry happens between : and : %. A further 9% of fatal road traffic collisions occurred between 6: and :. Time of Day, Deaths in Kerry years - Time of Day KY 4 KY KY KY yrs Month Jan KY 4 KY KY KY yrs Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Time of Day Note: Figures for -4 validated by the. Figures for provisional and subject to change Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Figure 8. Fatal road traffic accidents in Kerry by month - Note: Figures for -4 validated by the. Figures for provisional and subject to change Oct Nov Dec Total 4 8 Note: Figures for -4 validated by the. Figures for provisional and subject to change Figure 7. Fatal road traffic collisions in Kerry Time of Day - Note: Figures for -4 validated by the. Figures for provisional and subject to change County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6- County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-

12 Day of the week collision resulted in a fatality in -4. ROAD FATALITIES AND INJURIES - THE FACTS/MEASURES 4 4 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Day of the Week KY 4 KY Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Total * * fatal collisions resulted in 4 fatalities Kerry County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority and general road users all play a crucial role in endeavoring to make the road network safer for all categories of road user. Listed below are a number of measures which are promoted and implemented by Kerry County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority. Road Safety Audits: The safety of road users is one of the key underlying principles in the design of new roads and incorporated in the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) which became the design standard for roads in. The design process includes for audits to be carried out at key stages:- Design Construction Evaluation (on completion to identify potential hazards that may affect any type of road user). Kerry County Council then incorporate appropriate measures to eliminate or mitigate any hazards identified in the audit stages. Kerry County Council has a Policy that all new housing developments are designed in accordance with the Design Manual for Urban and Roads & Streets (DMURS) which is underpinned by the principle of lowering speeds in residential areas. Traffic Calming Schemes on National Roads: These schemes, which are funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) aim to improve road safety on National Roads where they pass through towns and villages. It has been found that the posting of speed limits alone on national routes passing through towns and villages without any physical speed reducing measures, does not induce drivers to reduce their speed to any significant degree. Traffic calming aims to reduce vehicle speeds by self-enforcing traffic engineering methods. Slower speeds result in fewer collisions. The speed reductions are achieved by reducing the width of the carriageway, altering the appearance of the road on the approach to the town/village through the use of gateways thus creating a shared road space with vulnerable road users. Traffic calming schemes are maintained by further traffic management arrangements within the town itself. Traffic Calming Schemes in Housing Estates: Kerry County Council adopted a Policy on 6th May 6, for the implementation of traffic calming measures in Housing Estates. The Policy is targeted at implementing measures in high density residential areas to reduce speed and in particular to protect vulnerable road users. Low Cost Safety Schemes: These schemes, which are funded by the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport (DTTAS) include lining, signing and junction improvement works. The criteria for these schemes are based on collision data, inspection of sites and locations showing treatable solutions to the cause of the collisions. These improvements are carried out on an annual basis in accordance with the Regional Road Safety Engineer and implemented by Kerry County Council. Figure 9. Fatal collisions in Kerry Day of the week collision resulted in a fatality in -4 County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6- County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-

13 Signage: The upgrade of signage on all national routes has been completed. Kerry County Council will replace and upgrade signage on non-national roads as resources permit but in particular warning and regulatory signage at high risk locations, such as junctions and near schools. Winter Maintenance Policy: Kerry County Council is responsible for implementing a winter maintenance programme throughout the County. The Vaisala Weather Transmitter is currently being used in two locations in Kerry Abbeyfeale and Glenflesk with a third location to be included at Waterville. The ice detection and prediction system, in conjunction with thermal mapping, facilitates the Council in establishing areas that are most likely to freeze. The system is used to determine whether or not to carry out salting or gritting depending on the circumstances. Periodic Special Speed Limits: As part of the Speed Limit Review, periodic special speed limits will be examined for schools on national and regional roads where necessary. Kerry County Council currently has two of these speed limits in operation at Foilmore National School and also at Derryquay National School. Speed Limits: Kerry County Council is currently reviewing speed limits across the County. The Mandatory Guidelines for setting and managing speed limits have been issued, under a Directive from the Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport and these will be used to determine the most appropriate speed for each public road. Speed limits apply on a default basis and can only be changed on a permanent basis, as fixed, variable or periodic, by the Council, through the making of Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws. Education and Awareness: The Road Safety Authority has employed a full-time Road Safety Education Officer who visits schools throughout the County delivering substantial road safety programmes. These programmes are tailored to meet the needs and time restraints of individual schools. Members of An Garda Síochána also visit schools throughout the County delivering the road safety message and since organise a Road Safety Road Show, annually, for senior cycle secondary school students (6-8 year olds) which is attended by approximately, students from around the County. It is proposed to continue this programme in the coming years. Kerry County Council continues to promote campaigns on road safety and also manages the distribution of targeted information from the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána. Roads Enforcement Officer: Kerry County Council has a dedicated Roads Enforcement Officer who is authorised to enforce the Roads Act 99. This includes the removal of temporary dwellings, cars for sale, abandoned cars and unauthorised advertising and signs from the public road. The Roads Enforcement Officer also investigates drainage issues, damage to the public road, mud or dirt on the public road, ensures compliance with the reinstatement conditions of road opening licences and liaises with landowners to ensure that they undertake and maintain a hedgecutting programme as is their responsibility. Enforcement: An Garda Síochána continues to endeavour to reduce the incidence of fatal and serious injury collisions and improve traffic flow through rigorous enforcement with regard to speeding, seat-belt use, child restraints, drink driving, defective tyres and mobile phone offences. There are now, sections of road identified nationally as speed enforcement zones effective from the 7th May 6 and these sections of the road network will be where An Garda Síochána will be primarily focusing on enforcement. The Garda Safety Camera project commenced in and the Safety Camera Operator has been monitoring speeds all over the County for the last number of years. The deployment of mobile safety cameras is a key action in the Government Road Safety Strategy - that aims to reduce fatalities on our roads to 4 by. The reduction in speeding in the safety camera zones has been remarkable, with the number of offenders reducing from 7.% when the project started to.% in recent surveys. An Garda Síochána review the locations every years in order to identify new zones with speed related collisions, as well as removing some zones where speeds have reduced due to the presence of the safety cameras. A range of equipment will be used such as: Handheld and tripod mounted laser guns Vehicle mounted Puma speed detection equipment, (both marked and unmarked vehicles) Van mounted automatic speed detection radars (Garda operated) Van mounted Go-Safe vans (civilian operated) There are 4 no. speed enforcement zones in County Kerry as follows: County Kerry National Roads Regional Roads Local Roads 8 4 County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-4 County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-

14 . COST TO SOCIETY.. Costs at 9 prices. Critical interventions needed to sustain progress. ACTION PLAN 6 - The measure of collision costs is distinguished between costs that relate to the casualties of collisions and costs that relate to the collision itself. The casualty costs are as follows: Lost output Human costs (suffering and pain) Medical costs The collision related costs are as follows: Damage to property Insurance administration Policing costs. COLLISION COSTS GOODBODY According to the Goodbody Economic Consultants, it is estimated that the cost of a fatal road collision in acturial terms is in excess of million. Fatal Type Serious Minor Damage Only Fatality Serious injury Minor injury Insurance/ Administration ,88,9 68 Cost Per Casualty Cost Per Collision 4, ,,77,74,6, 868,6,99,47 7,8 Damage to Property Gardaí Costs Urban Rural M way Urban Rural M way While the information above indicates the vast costs per road traffic collision, it is nothing compared to the pain, heartache and suffering experienced by those who have lost a loved one in such horrific circumstances. In line with the Road Safety Strategy -, the County of Kerry Road Safety Working Together Group will endeavour to reduce the incidence and severity of collisions, road user death and serious injury on Kerry roads over the lifetime of this County of Kerry Road Safety Plan. Targets have been set at a national level for further reductions in fatalities and serious injury by. Implementation at both national and local level of the following measures could help reach those targets: Reinforce the importance of wearing seatbelts and the use of child restraints Reinforce the message of the consequences of: Driver fatigue Driver impairment such as alcohol and drug driving Driver distraction, in particular mobile phone use Highlight the importance of driver and motorcyclist use of appropriate speed for road and conditions Continue to reduce incidence of Learner Drivers unaccompanied Empower users to adapt positive behaviours These messages are relevant to all drivers but have particular relevance to younger drivers. (Source: ) International consensus has built around the four E s as the pivotal elements in reducing road fatalities/serious injury on our roads: Education: raising awareness of road safety by imparting knowledge and developing an understanding of the risks with a view to changing attitudes and behaviour at individual, community and organisational levels. Enforcement: visible and appropriate enforcement acting as a deterrent and increasing compliance with road traffic laws. Engineering: making the road network safer and more forgiving of inevitable errors by road users. Vehicle engineering to improve occupant and pedestrian/cyclist safety and minimise harm. Evaluation: ensuring sustainable reduction in road fatalities and serious injury by constant research into the efficacy of actions undertaken. Each of the stakeholders are committed to implementing the actions outlined with an objective to meet national targets of reducing road fatalities and serious injury on our roads by the completion of the County of Kerry Road Safety Plan. County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-6 County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-7

15 . EDUCATION Raise awareness of road safety with a view to changing attitudes and behaviour at individual, community and organisational levels. APPENDIX Project. Lead the implementation of a comprehensive integrated road safety education programme in: Support Dept or.. Primary schools KRSP/HSE/AGS Deliver Kerry Safer Cycling Programme* Safer Cycling Programme delivered in primary schools annually* /AGS Deliver road safety talks, promote the use of road safety programmes such as Be Safe, Let s Go, Seatbelt Sheriff, Hi Glo Silver and Safe Cross Code Deliver training to primary schools annually Highlight the Streetsmart programme to primary schools in the County and deliver programme when requested All schools targeted by Q4 Promote the Road Safety Calendar competition Produce calendar annually County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-9

16 Project Support Dept or Project Support Dept or AGS Co-ordinate, promote, support and provide training for the Junior School Warden Service (6th class students) Deliver training session annually at 4 primary schools. Local Community Groups AGS Deliver road safety presentations to community groups, targeted at vulnerable road users Deliver presentations to community groups annually.. Post-Primary schools.. Third Level AGS AGS // HSE/Kerry Fire Service AGS Provision of Adult School Warden Service at 9 locations and provide annual training to these staff Deliver road safety talk to secondary schools, promoting the programmes Road Safety Matters, Your Road to Safety and Wrecked Deliver in-service training on the junior cycle and transition year programmes in schools Deliver Road Safety Road Show for young drivers, targeted at senior cycle students (6-8 year old students) Deliver road safety talks to third level students in Tralee Institute of Technology Deliver training session annually Deliver training to 6 post-primary schools annually Deliver training to post-primary schools annually Deliver show annually presentation annually Roll out a National Bike Week to include pedal in the park initiative. Road Safety Week AGS / Roll out a road safety week with a series of local and national events.4 Road Safety Promotion /AGS /AGS Utilise local media to increase/ implement public awareness campaigns which target the main factors for collisions, fatalities and serious injuries for all road users, in particular vulnerable road users Promote road safety campaigns/messages through Kerry County Council website/ twitter to generate interest Provide high visibility clothing to schools/community groups and vulnerable road users free of charge Promote pedal in the park initiative at locations annually road safety week annually campaigns annually Promote all campaigns locally High visibility clothing dispatched immediately on request County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6- County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-

17 Project Support Dept or. ENGINEERING *Subject to funding being provided by funding agency Deliver Check it fits road show to drivers with young children Deliver road safety awareness campaigns using the Road Safety Interactive Shuttle & Roll-over simulator 4 shows delivered annually awareness campaigns annually To make Kerry s road network safer and more forgiving of inevitable errors by road users. Project. Upgrade National Road Network in the County Support Dept or TII Implement a programme of works to improve the alignment and driving surface of sub-standard sections of the national road network* Annual roadworks programme delivered by Q annually Improve km of national road pavement annually*. Identify locations, prioritise and implement retrofitted cycling facilities on the National Road Network in the County. Provide remedial safety measures at identified collision locations on national roads TII In consultation with the TII, identify locations where retrofitted cycling facilities are warranted on the existing National Road Network in accordance with NRA TD (DMRB Standard). Prioritise sections and prepare Identification of Needs Study and Implementation Plan TII Identify locations, prioritise and implement remedial safety measures on national roads Improve and realign km of national road annually* Prepare Identification of Needs Study by Q 7 Submit annually to TII for funding for all schemes at High Collision Locations where a feasible engineering solution has been identified. Implement all schemes for which funding has been allocated County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6- County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-

18 Project.4 Upgrade Non-National Road Network in the County. Identify locations, prioritise and implement low cost safety measures including traffic calming for non-national roads.6 Maintain a Joint reporting collision procedure between the Gardaí, Kerry County Council and the TII Support Dept or DTTAS Improve and upgrade regional and local roads* DTTAS Based on an assessment of collision data, prioritise and submit the collision prone locations on non-national roads for inclusion in the national Low Cost Safety Programme and implement km/h zones and slow zones AGS /TII Complete LA6 Collision Reporting forms following fatal collisions and submit to TII As Required Improve 7 km of non-national road annually* Measures to be provided at locations annually* All forms submitted to TII within month of a fatal collision Project.8 Implement Collision prevention programme (CPP) in Garda Districts Support Dept or AGS Strengthen and expand the operation of CPP committees throughout the County. Partnership between Area Engineers/Municipal District Engineers and Garda members in reviewing collision prone zones and actively contributing to a reduction of road traffic collisions at a local level.9 Road Safety Audit TII/DTTAS Road Safety audits to be undertaken on all funded national road schemes that affect the layout or management of the road. Road Safety Inspections on all roads following a serious/fatal collision Inspect locii where there has been a serious/fatal collision to identify any road improvements required meetings at a local/ district level annually % of all schemes audited All locations where a serious/fatal collision occurred to be inspected.7 Utilise technology to improve communication TII/DTTAS/ AGS/Local Media Keep public informed of planned roadworks, road closures, lane restrictions/ closures, flooding, winter maintenance All planned works on national roads logged on social media. Road Safety Inspections on national roads where temporary safety measures to be applied during the works TII All roadworks that include temporary safety measures on national roads shall be registered with the TII and inspected All worksites inspected where duration of works exceed 6 months County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-4 County of Kerry Road Safety Plan 6-