100 road deaths so far this year

A total of 100 road deaths have occurred so far this year (as of 1st August), an increase of 11 compared to this time lat year.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána are warning the Irish public that, should current trends continue, as many as 168 lives will be lost on our roads this year.

Data made available from a Preliminary Analysis of Road Traffic Fatalities by the RSA (as of 26 July) has highlighted a number of worrying trends, including:

• • 23 young people aged 16-25 have lost their lives so far this year.
  • Almost the same number of 16-25 year olds killed (23) in the first half of 2023 as with same period in 2021 and 2022 combined (26).
  • Almost half (49%) of all deaths on the roads occurred at night-time (8pm-8am), when the roads are at their quietest.
  • Three counties (Galway – 11; Mayo – 10; and Cork – 9) accounted for almost one third of all fatalities.

Commenting on the findings, Sam Waide, CEO, RSA 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.