The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has revealed that there has been a 68 percent reduction in fatalities on Irish roads since the introduction of Ireland’s first road safety strategy in 1998.
The finding was made at the RSA Annual International Road Safety Conference which will inform the development of the next Government road safety strategy, which will run from 2021 to 2030.
“The Government’s current Road Safety Strategy 2013 to 2020 identifies a number of critical success factors which remain relevant to this day. One in particular – stakeholder collaboration is key,” said Shane Ross, Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport. “The development of a new road safety strategy will require considerable engagement with stakeholders at national, regional and local level. The development of the new strategy will also crucially involve analysis of international experience and best practice. That is why I am glad to see this process is well under way with today’s conference and the examination of important insights from leading road safety experts.”
Ross and the RSA announced that the process of developing the next strategy will involve consultation with key stakeholders and analysis of international experience and best practice. The strategy is expected to address current and new road safety challenges including the impact of new technology, vulnerable road users, serious injuries and killer behaviours.
“The next national road safety strategy will have new elements to take account of a changing society, environment and lifestyles. Technology will transform our capabilities,” said Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson, RSA. “The climate change agenda too will influence our endeavours. How citizens want to live their lives too; and a huge interest in healthy cities and public transportation modes must be accommodated. Cycling and walking must ascend the pecking order in terms of priority.”
