Ireland

100 people have died on Ireland’s roads so far this year

100 people have died on Ireland’s roads so far this year (Brian Lawless/PA)
100 people have died on Ireland’s roads so far this year (Brian Lawless/PA)
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The number of road deaths in Ireland in the first seven months of 2023 was the highest January-July figure for six years, according to the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

Up to the morning of Tuesday August 1, 100 people have died on Irish roads this year – an increase of 11 compared with last year.

Commenting on its preliminary analysis of traffic fatalities, the RSA projected that Ireland could see 168 road deaths by the end of the year.

The analysis looked at the 95 people who died on the roads up to July 26 and found that 23 were aged between 16 and 25 – almost the same as over the same period in the previous two years combined.

The authority recorded an increasing number of fatalities among passengers, pedestrians and motorcyclists.

Just under half of all road deaths occurred between 8pm and 8am.

The RSA and gardai appealed to all road users to be more vigilant.

Commenting on the findings, RSA chief executive 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.

Garda Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said: “Road deaths are a tragedy for all affected. The figures published today starkly demonstrate that.

“An Garda Siochana 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.”

RSA chairwoman Liz O’Donnell said: “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.”