RSA Says Defective Tyres Played Roll in Many Road Deaths
A recent study by the Road Safety Authority (“RSA”) has found that
defective tyres were a significant factor in a number of fatal collisions
on Irish Roads.
The study found that 111 lost their lives and 30 were seriously injured
in collisions which vehicle defects were a contributory factor.
The RSA said defects may not have been the sole cause of the collision
but coupled with the combination of other pre-crash behaviour
resulted in these deaths. The study found that over half of collisions
where vehicles with defective tyres, tyres were dangerously worn while
10% of cases tyres were under inflated.
The largest group driving with defective, worn or underinflated tyres
were those aged 17-24.
The Minister has stated that work is underway to bring offences of
defective or non-road worthy tyres within the penalty point system.
Recently there has been quite a lot of criticism of the level of awards in
the Courts in accident cases.
The recent report from the Injuries Board has indicated that there has
been a 6% increase in claims but only 1% increase in the level of
awards. At the same time there has been approximately 30% increase
in premiums.
A considerable amount of criticism is levelled at the legal profession
and the judges relating to the level of awards. What is not being
highlighted is the lack of implementation of the Road Traffic Acts as
regards defective vehicles and what their contribution would have to
the overall level of accidents if the Road Traffic Laws were vigorously
enforced in this country.
The same applies in relation to drunken driving and speeding.
The compensation awarded to persons injured in accidents is always
the easy route to take. The issue of implementation of the Road Traffic
Laws is one that is less likely to be highlighted.
© Richard Grogan & Associates Solicitors | 16 – 17 College Green, Dublin 2.
Tel: 6177856 | Fax: 6177857 | Email: [email protected] | www.grogansolicitors.ie
The crashing of lights seems to be endemic whether this is by motor
vehicles and particularly by cyclists. How often do we see people
dashing across the road quite close to pedestrian lights but failing to
use the pedestrian lights.
The level of compensation that is awarded has seen increased
insurance for road traffic users could be vastly reduced if enforcement
of the Road Traffic Laws is seriously undertaken.
*Before acting or refraining from acting on anything in this
update legal advice from a Solicitor should be obtained.
In contentious cases a Solicitor may not charge fees or expenses
as a proportion or percentage of any award or settlement.
© Richard Grogan & Associates Solicitors | 16 – 17 College Green, Dublin 2.
Tel: 6177856 | Fax: 6177857 | Email: [email protected] | www.grogansolicitors.ie