Latest news with #roadsafty
BreakingNews.ie
2 days ago
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Spike in number of drivers caught on their mobile phones across Ireland
New Garda figures show a spike in the number of drivers caught driving with a mobile phone between 2023 and 2024 across multiple counties. Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has pleaded with drivers to put down the mobile phone this bank holiday weekend. Advertisement Dublin performed extremely poorly in the figures which show year on year increases in the numbers of people caught on their mobile phone whilst driving with percentage increases of up to 237 per cent. The Cork county Garda division recorded a 25 per cent year on year increase in the number of drivers caught using their mobile phones and Galway recorded a 21 per cent increase. Kildare stood out, having recorded a 47 per cent increase in the number of drivers caught by gardaí using their mobile whilst driving between 2023 and 2024. Dublin was the worst offender with significant increases across all Garda divisions in Dublin. Advertisement Fixed charge notices issued by gardaí for holding a phone whilst driving between 2023 and 2024 Garda Division Q4 2023 Q4 2024 % change Cork County 199 248 +25 per cent Galway 215 260 +21 per cent Wexford/Wicklow 187 212 +13 per cent Kildare 348 511 +47 per cent Dublin West 263 473 +80 per cent Dublin South 137 226 +65 per cent Dublin Central 158 257 +63 per cent Dublin North 194 306 +58 per cent Dublin East 43 145 +237 per cent Limerick 230 246 +7 per cent Clare/Tipp 270 279 +3.3 per cent Ní Mhurchú welcomed the fact that Garda divisions in Kerry, Cork city, Sligo, Leitrim, Mayo, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Waterford, Kilkenny, and Carlow all recorded year on year decreases in the number of people caught driving using their mobile phones. Assuming detection efforts are static from year to year, Ní Mhurchú described this as a silver lining in the Garda figures. Ireland Half of Irish adults say their DIY skills are 'wel... Read More The MEP has called for increased use of unmarked Garda lorries which have proved extremely effective at catching drivers using their mobiles. The high cab trucks are accompanied by a patrol car or an unmarked interceptor vehicle and offer gardaí a birds eye view of bad behaviour on our roads. She said all options should be on the table to tackle the epidemic of drivers using their mobile phones, including discounted insurance policies for drivers who are willing to install or use technology that blocks phones whilst driving. The penalty for using your phone while driving is a fixed charge of €120, and three penalty points.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah hit-and-run arrest: Dash cams, social media can deter reckless driving, say experts
When a Sharjah motorist caused a three-car crash and fled the scene earlier this week, the driver might have assumed the act would go unnoticed. Instead, within hours, a viral clip showing the incident was circulating across social media platforms, and police had already made an arrest. The 41-second video showed a white pick-up truck abruptly swerving across lanes at high speed, colliding with a vehicle that then rammed into a third. Moments later, the driver of the pick-up sped away without stopping, a blatant violation of UAE traffic law. Sharjah Police tracked down and arrested the suspect within six hours. While no injuries were reported, the crash sparked widespread outrage and a larger discussion around how digital tools like dash cams and social media are becoming critical to road safety enforcement in the UAE. Viral accountability "Technology and public awareness have created a new layer of deterrence," said Mustafa Aldah, founder of MA Traffic Consulting. "Drivers are increasingly aware that any reckless move can end up online and under investigation within minutes." Aldah noted that Article 5 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2024 requires drivers involved in any accident to report the incident to authorities within three hours, unless there is a justifiable reason for delay. Failure to comply could result in stiff penalties, especially in hit-and-run cases. "Under Article 38, fleeing the scene of an accident, particularly if there are injuries, carries imprisonment of up to two years and a fine ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh100,000," Aldah explained. "What's more, even the owner of the vehicle can be held liable if they withhold key information that could aid an investigation." While the law is strict, Aldah believed public behavior plays a crucial role. "The more advanced the road manners of drivers, the safer our streets become. What used to take decades to change can now evolve in weeks, thanks to the power of viral videos and digital education campaigns," Aldah said. He added, "We've already seen huge strides in the UAE's traffic culture. But regular reminders on social media, especially targeting younger drivers, can help accelerate that progress. I wish everyone, especially our youth, safe travels.' Hit-and-run insurance But for victims, a hit-and-run doesn't end with an arrest. It's often the beginning of a complex insurance process. "Immediately reporting the incident to the police is crucial," said Dev Maitra, Founder and Managing Director, Savington International Insurance Brokers. "Without an official police report, insurance claims can't even be initiated." If the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured, victims with comprehensive policies may still receive compensation, but those with third-party coverage often face serious obstacles. "Third-party insurance doesn't cover hit-and-runs unless the driver is caught and proven liable," he said. Additional hurdles include: Delays in claims due to investigation timelines. Lower compensation or outright denial if insurers suspect fraud. Victims being forced to pursue civil compensation through the courts in cases where the offender lacks coverage. Even when the offender is identified, the victim's payout usually depends on the incident, not the driver's past violations. However, a history of infractions could lead to harsher criminal or civil penalties for the perpetrator. Fighting fraud with data To combat fraud and speed up legitimate claims, UAE insurers are increasingly using tools like dash cam footage, telematics data, and digital claims portals. "We now see more cases where dash cam evidence becomes the key factor in validating what actually happened," Mustafa noted. Red flags for fraud include: Inconsistent accounts or delayed reporting. Claims that don't match physical damage. Suspiciously high repair estimates or frequent claims by the same person. "In high-risk cases, insurers may deny claims and refer the matter to police," he warned. "That's why transparency, evidence, and timeliness are critical." Some insurers, including those Savington partners with, offer WhatsApp-based claim tracking and digital submission platforms to make the process more accessible and less intimidating for motorists.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
100 Deadliest Days: Summer months bring spike in Las Vegas traffic fatalities
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — As the country kicks off summer with Memorial Day weekend, road safety experts are sounding the alarm about a deadly seasonal trend that takes thousands of lives each year. Spanning from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this period marks the most dangerous time of year on U.S. roads, with a sharp increase in traffic fatalities, especially among teen drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this 100-day stretch historically sees a significant spike in fatal crashes, often fueled by a deadly mix of distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving. During this stretch, a deadly mix of more vehicles, less supervision, and distracted or impaired driving makes for a perfect storm. It is a grim reminder that the freedom of summer can come at a devastating cost. It is something Annette Barrera knows all too well. 'Unfortunately, I spent a good year and a half in the hospital recovering from the various injuries,' Annette Barrera, who was hit by a drunk driver when she was 18 years old, said. During the '100 deadliest days' of 2024, at least 47 lives were lost on Clark County Roads. While Barrera is still recovering physically and mentally, she is moving forward with purpose, turning her tragedy into action. She's working with MADD, better known as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the goal: no more victims. 'There are other people on the road, there are other lives that can be affected. The ripple is grand,' Annette Barrera said. Young and inexperienced drivers are among the most vulnerable during these summer months. With school out and more time spent behind the wheel, teens are at greater risk of engaging in risky driving behaviors. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that teen drivers are three times more likely than adults to be involved in a deadly crash. While the official school year is over, it is important to remember that summer sessions will begin soon, and students will be out walking to and from school. 'Please remember that although summer vacation is starting for some it's not starting for everyone,' Clark County School District Police Lieutenant Bryan Zink said. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teen drivers ages 16 to 17 are more likely to be involved in crashes compared to older drivers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- The Sun
Crooks using ‘ghost plates' to dodge speed cameras face government crackdown
CROOKS using illegal 'ghost plates' to dodge speed cameras and escape police could finally face tougher punishments, ministers have said. The sham plates, which make cars invisible to number plate recognition systems, are being used by drug dealers, fraudsters and boy racers to cause carnage on our roads. 1 Labour MP Sarah Coombes told the Commons she was warned by a senior cop that the problem is now 'frightening' - with ghost plates spotted 'on every street, in every town'. She blasted the lack of action and called for £1,000 fines and six penalty points to stop the lawless 'number plate Wild West'. The current punishment is just a £100 slap on the wrist - less than a speeding ticket. Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood admitted 'more needs to be done' and said tougher penalties will be looked at in a new road safety crackdown. She also said the DVLA is working with police chiefs and the Home Office to target rogue sellers and tighten enforcement. Campaigners warn kits to make ghost plates can be bought online for as little as £40 – with sites openly selling the gear. Sellers often get around the rules by branding them 'show plates', while Instagram and TikTok are flooded with videos promoting them to wannabe racers.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Wisconsin drivers were in 17,000 deer crashes in 2024. Where did most of the crashes occur?
Drivers should remain vigilant against deer on roadways this spring as crashes typically increase this time of year, warned the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Deer crash numbers usually increase in May and June in Wisconsin as does look for a place to give birth. "Deer can be erratic and hard to spot, so it's important that drivers are looking ahead and paying close attention to the sides of the road," said Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan in a statement. In 2024, there were more than 17,000 deer related crashes, according to the DOT. Among those crashes, nine people were killed, and 708 were injured. Wisconsin has an estimated population of about 1.8 million deer, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Most deer-related crashes occur in areas with higher deer populations along with high traffic, according to the DOT. Here's how to avoid deer-related crashes this spring in Wisconsin, plus what to do if you do hit a deer, according to the DOT. Waukesha - 937 Washington - 798 St. Croix - 791 Dane - 770 Sheboygan - 763 Fond du lac - 683 Outagamie - 666 Manitowoc - 645 Walworth - 550 Winnebago – 532 Votes are in: Road America race ranks among top 10 again, according to USA TODAY readers Award-winning event: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh named among best air shows in USA TODAY 10Best list In general, best practices include always wearing a seat belt, driving slowly and carefully through forested areas, and being vigilant in the early morning and evening when deer are most active. Here are some additional tips from the Wisconsin DNR: If you notice a deer in your headlights, don't expect it to dart away. Headlights can confuse a deer and lead the animal to freeze in place. Instead, brake firmly when you notice the deer. A long honk of your vehicle can sometimes frighten the deer to run away. If a collision is unavoidable, brake and stay in your lane. Do not swerve, as this can confuse the deer as to where it should run and lead to you losing control of your vehicle. If you are on a motorcycle, slow down, brake firmly and then swerve if necessary, to avoid hitting the deer. Try to stay within your lane if possible, to avoid hitting other objects or vehicles. If you see one deer, watch for more. Deer seldom run alone. If you do end up hitting an animal, there are a few steps you should take, according to the DNR. These steps are specifically for deer-related crashes: If remains are on the shoulder of the highway or off the busy portion of the roadway, contact your local county sheriff. Here are the numbers to call for killed deer pick-up in each Wisconsin county. If possible, get your vehicle safely off the road. Stay buckled-up inside your vehicle to avoid being struck by another vehicle, particularly if you are on the highway. Be prepared to describe your precise location to law enforcement. Helpful location markers include proximity to a mile post, the lane direction, nearby exit numbers, an address or mailbox number. If the animal remains are on an active portion of a highway, call 911. These remains pose an urgent safety hazard. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Fond du Lac Sheboygan Manitowoc Winnebago counties deer-related crashes in 2024
