Abstract
This report describes surveys undertaken in mid to late 2003 in relation to free speeds and seat-belt wearing rates on Irish roads. The principal findings are presented for: • free speeds in urban areas; • free speeds in rural areas, and • seat-belt wearing rates. It is important to recognise that trends in relation to observed speeding behaviour outlined in this report may have been substantially influenced by the introduction of Penalty Points for speeding violations in 31st October, 2002 and, similarly, trends in relation to seat belt wearing may have been driven by the introduction of penalty points for seat-belt wearing offences on 25th August, 2003 (during the time that the seat-belt survey was being carried out). (Author/publisher)