The Road Safety Authority (RSA) plans to review all fatal road traffic collisions in Ireland over a four year period to assess pre-crash behaviour.
RSA's Brian Farrell said the review would go beyond what the gardaí would fill out at the roadside. It will look at motorist's toxicology reports and those of pedestrians, he explained.
“It’s a report that will be looking at pre-crash behaviour,” Mr Farrell remarked, “it would be very important in terms of planning our interventions and strategy.”
A similar review has been conducted by the RSA in the past between 2005 and 2007 and a comparison of the results will be made in order to assess any changes in behaviour, he added.
“It’s specifically in relation to going in and looking at the pre-causal factors in collisions,” he said.
The RSA is seeking tenders from suitable applicants to carry out the review of fatal collisions between 2008 and 2012 on its behalf.
They want “a comprehensive review of these files in order to assess pre-crash behaviour, including the presence of alcohol, illicit or other drugs, or any other potential contributory factors among the people involved in fatal road collisions in Ireland.”
The suitable applicant will be required to review paper collision files in situ at the Headquarters of An Garda Síochána and collect the data according to a pre-agreed list. Interested parties can apply before August 15th.