Speech
Speech by Minister of State Jack Chambers at the launch of the Be Winter Ready Campaign 2023-2024
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Good morning everyone.
As Minister of State for Transport, I’d like to welcome you here today for the launch of the 2023/2024 ‘Be Winter Ready’ public information campaign. This year’s campaign focuses on road safety which is particularly appropriate as unfortunately we have continued to see an increase in tragedies on our roads in recent months.
As another winter approaches, we must ensure that we are ready for all types of emergencies, including severe weather events, that can impact our journeys and how we go about our daily lives.
In treacherous conditions, road users should consider if your journey is necessary and ensure that you Plan, Prepare and Be Aware when venturing out.
Plan for your journey. Consider delaying your departure until road conditions improve and use public transport where available. If delaying is not possible, plan ahead by checking the weather at www.met.ie. The best road conditions are likely to occur between 10am and 4pm.
Prepare for your journey. Get your vehicle serviced before winter sets in to ensure it is ready for any inclement conditions. Check the tyres, brakes, lights and wipers and you have sufficient fuel before setting out on the road.
Be aware throughout your journey. Check and be mindful of weather and road conditions. Avoid flooded roads and give yourself extra time to allow for any possible delays.
Data shows winter months can be a particularly high risk time for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users with visibility reduced in poor weather conditions. Watch out for other road users and give pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists extra space when overtaking. Vulnerable road users, please keep safe by making sure you can be seen.
Above all else, I would ask drivers to slow down. Speed is the biggest contributory factor in road deaths in Ireland. International research has estimated that 30% of fatal collisions are the result of speeding or inappropriate speed. This risk of danger increases during bad weather spells.
Tragically, there has been an increase in road fatalities this year with 152 fatalities on Irish roads this year - 35 more deaths compared to the same period in 2022.
More than 900 people have been seriously injured in road traffic collisions during the same period.
Every death is one too many. We know of the life-changing impact that serious injuries can have for victims, their families and friends, and their communities.
I urge all motorists to please drive safely and cautiously this winter.
We are publishing a leaflet containing road safety advice and tips for driving and road use during the winter months to support this year’s campaign and additional advice and guidance can also be found in a campaign information booklet and our social media campaign.
Finally, I would like to note that while road safety is this year’s focus, this is a whole-of-government campaign aimed at providing information on a wide range of topics. I encourage everyone to log on to winterready.ie which provides advice on all aspects of staying safe during the winter months.
While I hope that the winter ahead will be calm and safe for all of us, I would encourage everyone to start their preparation for winter today. This campaign provides us with lots of useful and practical information to plan for the coming months, whatever they might bring.
Thank you for your attention today.