MEP Higgins & Schumacher steer road safety action

Higgins & Schumacher steer road safety action

Jim Higgins MEP, a member of the European Parliament's Transport Committee, and seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher officially launched the European UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 in Strasbourg this week.

"'Speed kills' was the clear and simple message from Michael Schumacher last night. At the European Launch of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, we were reminded of the global prevalence of road fatalities. The latest estimates forecast global road death figures will rise to over 2 million by 2020 unless action is taken. Today must become a turning point in our fight to reduce road fatalities," Mr Higgins said.

"It is fitting that Mr Schumacher attended the launch as he is an impressive role model for many young Formula One fans and unfortunately, a portion of our young drivers appear to have a deadly inclination to speed on our roads. However, as Mr Schumacher reminded us - the professional high-powered Formula One races he won are highly-controlled events in which safety is the prime consideration from the track and car design to the rule book. When a vehicle is involved in a high-speed collision on our roads - there is no such special protection for victims.

"Road traffic injuries are the leading killer of 10-25 year olds worldwide. Those tragic deaths are preventable accidents. A total of 66 people have died on Irish roads so far in 2011. In 2010, the total figure was 212 deaths. We can save lives by taking responsibility for our actions on the roads and slowing down to save lives," Mr Higgins concluded.

The North West MEP joined Michael Schumacher at the eSafety truck displaying the latest eSafety technologies in the market at the European Parliament.

ENDS

Contact:

Jim Higgins is Fine Gael MEP for Ireland North West and is a member of the European Parliament's Transport Committee.

Sean de Burca, Assistant, Brussels : 0032 487 689 402