SHOCK: Number of deaths on Irish roads the worst in SIX years, Gardaí confirm

The number of deaths on Irish roads so far this year is the worst in six years. 

That's according to An Garda Síochána, who today (August 1) warned the trend could mean Ireland loses up to 168 lives on the roads by year's end, with 100 people killed so far (at time of publication). 

Five of these road deaths have occurred since Thursday July 27; a motorcyclist in his 70s died in Ballyvaughan, County Clare on July 27, a motorcyclist in his 40s died in Donard, County Wicklow July 29, a van driver died on the N24, Cahir-Clonmel Road, Co. Tipperary on July 31, and two teenage girls died during a collision in Legnakelly, Co. Monaghan also on July 31. 

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) echoed Garda concerns and warned that years of road safety progress could be undone if something doesn't change. 

New data from a preliminary analysis of road fatalities by the RSA has revealed a 10% increase in road deaths this year compared to the same period in 2022. 

The analysis highlighted a number of worrying trends. 

One in four road deaths so far this year were among 16 - 25 year olds (23 deaths), a figure almost as high as the number of 16 - 25 year olds killed in the same period in 2021 and 2022 combined (26 deaths). 

Almost half (49%) of all deaths on the roads occurred at night-time (8pm-8am), when the roads are at their quietest, and three counties (Galway - 11, Mayo – 10, and Cork - 9) accounted for almost one third of all fatalities. 

Drivers represent the highest risk group to date in 2023 (41% of fatalities), with the analysis noting an increased trend of fatalities among passengers, motorcyclsits and pedestrians. 

Eighty two percent of all fatalities were reportedly male. 

Six hundred and forty nine serious injuries have occurred so far this year (as of July 23), however this is 163 fewer when compared to the same period in 2022. 

The RSA and An Garda Síochána are appealing to all road users to be more vigilant on our roads.

Commenting on the findings, CEO of the RSA, Sam Waide, said, "The figures released today are alarming. Clearly, the progress we have made in road safety over the last number of years is at risk. The evidence suggests that as a society we are losing momentum when it comes to road safety - with tragic consequences. If this continues, we could see 168 homes with an empty place at their table this Christmas time.

"We all have a duty - all parts of society and every road user - to do everything we can to reverse this trend and save lives. I hope today can mark the start of a fightback from all of us to regain the progress we had made and make the second half of 2023 safer for all road users." 

Assistant Commissioner of Roads Policing and Community Engagement, Paula Hilman, said, "Road deaths are a tragedy for all affected. The figures published today starkly demonstrate that. An Garda Síochána are fully committed to playing our part in the comprehensive approach required to promote road safety and reverse the trend we are seeing in 2023.

"At both national and local level to working with road safety partners, local authorities, and communities, we are focusing on road safety design and engineering, technology, education, and targeted enforcement. Every fatality on our roads is one too many. We will play our part in keeping the roads safe for all.” 

Chairperson of the RSA, Liz O’Donnell, added, "We all need to reflect on these figures and re-evaluate our own behaviours and habits as a result. The smallest distraction, the temptation to get there quicker or to relax our vigilance can lead to the most awful consequences.

"Taking simple road safety steps can have a potentially life-saving impact such as putting away the mobile phone when driving and driving within the speed limit. It is within all our power to prevent further lives being lost. We need everyone to adopt that spirit of collective action to help us reverse the devastating pattern of road trauma and save lives.” 

The RSA is intensifying existing public education and awareness campaigns to target the main contributory factors for deaths, and serious injuries, and target high-risk groups. 

This includes increased targeting of younger male cohorts and increased regional advertising and education efforts in Cork, Galway and Mayo.