The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána have published a provisional review of road fatalities so far this year. The review shows that, from January to 21 July of this year, 93 people died on the roads in 89 collisions. This is an increase of seven deaths and eight collisions when compared to the same period last year. The RSA has predicted that if the current trend continues, up to 80 more people could die before the end of the year.

The review shows that:

  • Road deaths have increased by 8 per cent when compared to figures for the same period last year
  • Up to 21 July 2016, 43 drivers, 18 passengers, 16 pedestrians, 11 motorcyclists and 5 cyclists have been killed on Irish roads
  • Driver deaths have increased by 10 per cent and passenger deaths have increased by 29 per cent

Commenting on the review, Liz O’Donnell, chairman, RSA said: “Unfortunately, our review shows that road fatalities have increased this year. The increases are particularly evident among drivers, passengers and older road-users. If the current trend continues, we stand to lose almost 80 people in preventable and unnecessary road collisions.

“Complacency is our biggest challenge over the next six months.”

“We need to get the basics right every single time we use the roads. This means not driving impaired, not speeding, wearing our seatbelts, making sure we’re visible to other road-users and avoiding distraction and fatigue. We need to take personal responsibility and not take unnecessary risks that put ourselves – or others – in danger. By sharing the road safely together, we can all play a role in saving lives.”

Chief Superintendent Aidan Reid, An Garda Síochána said: “We appeal to the public to be responsible in relation to drinking and driving, especially coming into the August bank holiday period. Never, ever drink and drive. Never take a lift off someone who has been drinking and make every effort to dissuade that drink driver from driving – if necessary contact the Gardaí. You could be saving a life, yours, theirs or someone else’s.”

Chief Superintendent Reid continued: “Nearly one third of all drivers killed between 2008 and 2012 had alcohol in their system. This is a startling and unacceptable fact, and one which urgently needs addressing. To this end, and during this high risk summer period, our members are conducting additional drink driving enforcement and educational activity. In addition, we are concentrating our activity on high risk areas, where drink drivers are likely to be found, i.e. on rural and regional roads. There have been more drink driving arrests in 2016 compared to 2015, with a significant increase in July this year compared to July 2015. It is imperative we target high risk drivers and make the roads safer for all.”