I recently came across a site which gave details of Global Road Deaths.

The site run by Roadpeace, the UK based charity records that since January 2010, there have been 1,125,261 road deaths worldwide. Staggering isn’t it!

The charity has also organised the “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims” which was held on the 21^st November 2010.

The day in particular focuses on the overall scale and individual devastation caused by road deaths and injuries and the impact on families and communities around the World.

Almost 4,000 people are killed and many hundreds of thousands injured on the roads throughout the World every day. Many have to cope with the bereavement or effects of injuries and become part of a large community affected by tragedies on our roads.

The concept for the remembrance goes back to 1993 and was organised by Roadpeace and adopted by the United Nations in 2005 as a response to road victims for public recognition.

In light of the serious number of accidents in Ireland, there is certainly a case for a similar initiative to be adopted here in Ireland.

On the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, we mourn the estimated 1.3 million people who lose their lives on the world’s streets and highways each year, and we renew our resolve to prevent further deaths,” U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement. “Many tragedies can be avoided through a set of proven, simple measures that benefit not only individuals and families but society at large.”

Earlier this year, the U.N. General Assembly declared the first-ever “Decade of Action for Road Safety,” providing an opportunity for global action. Ki-moon has called on all nations, international agencies, civil society organizations, and businesses and community leaders to ensure that the decade leads to real improvements. Governments have been directed to release their national plans May 11, 2011. The U.N. Road Safety Collaboration is encouraging measures to make roads and vehicles safer, improve the behavior of drivers and pedestrians, and enhance emergency services.

“If we all take these and other simple measures, we can give real meaning to this observance, thereby honoring the memory of the victims in the best way possible: with action to spare the lives of others,”

“My hope is that all governments and relevant stakeholders will make public their plans for the decade on May 11,” Krug said in a statement. “Those who have been directly affected by road traffic crashes and their families will have a vital role to play throughout the decade. This annual World Day of Remembrance will offer a place for the voices of these victims and for their families. They guide us in all that we do

Paul Tracey

Personal Injury Solicitor

Ireland

23^nd November 2010

One suspects that this significant rise in the number of claims against uninsured drivers being processed by the MIBI is due to the economic downturn.

“It appears that the recession may have had an impact on the number of uninsured drivers on the road. It is a very worrying trend and an extremely serious issue. Driving uninsured is a criminal offence’’ commented a spokesperson for the MIBI

The MIBI is responsible for compensating victims of accidents caused by uninsured and unidentified vehicles. It also compensates victims or untraced motorists who cause accidents or who leave the scene of accidents.

Recent figures show that in 2008 the MIBI settled over 2,000 claims with uninsured drivers who were involved in accidents, most of which involved bodily injury.

Mr. Casey the chief executive of the Bureau estimated that the figure for 2009 will be approximately 10 per cent higher than in 2008.

Although the cost of motor insurance has been declining in recent years this problem has not gone away! “In real terms the cost of motor insurance is the same as 10 years ago. Premiums have been coming down and there is a lot more competition in the market place. Price is simply is not an excuse.”

He also rejected the claim that a lack of concern among drivers about Garda surveillance has led to an increase in the number of motorists driving without insurance. “There has been an increase in the traffic corps in recent years, and there are more and more roadside checks,” he said.

If you have had an accident caused by an uninsured driver or where a driver has left the scene or failed to stop at the scene it is important that you act promptly and comply with the requirements of the MIBI.

We at Paul Tracey Solicitors have extensive experience in this are of injury work and will be happy to assist you with any questions you have on this topic.

Tips if involved in an accident

-Call the Garda at the scene

-Take the names & addresses of any witnesses

-Seek medical assistance promptly if required

-Take prompt legal advice to ensure your rights are protected

Paul Tracey Solicitor 08/03/2010

(Paul Tracey is a lawyer based in Dublin specializing in personal injury litigation in particular road traffic cases where insurance issues arise.)

The MIBI is responsible for compensating victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured or unidentified drivers.

This applies to untraced cars which leave the scene of an accident or unknowingly cause injuries to a member of the public.

When these cases are settled by the MIBI,it pursues the uninsured drivers who have caused the injuries to recover the money paid to the victims of such accidents.

The scheme ensures that innocent victims of car accidents ,be they passangers, pedestrians or other motorists are not at a loss for the absensce of insurance on the vehicle which has caused their injuries. In effect the MIBI appoint an insurance company to act in the place of the ‘absent insurer’ so that the injured person is not be at a loss.

The amount of the judgments shows the significant number of cases where the MIBI have a role to play where drivers choose not to insure their cars and unfortunate accidents occur.

If you have queries on the workings of the MIBI or related queries , feel free to e mail our offices

Paul Tracey

law@traceysolicitors.ie

11/01/2010