Figures released by the Road Safety Authority demonstrate that there has been a 15% increase in road traffic related fatalities in 2016 compared to 2015.
Nationwide, 187 people have tragically lost their lives in a 175 fatal crashes since January 2016, compared to 162 lives lost in 155 crashes last year; a 15% increase in fatalities and a 13% increase in road traffic accidents.
Vulnerable road users represented over a third (35%) of those killed on our roads this year, with 35 pedestrians, 21 motorcyclists and 10 pedal cyclists losing their lives.
July was the most dangerous month in 2016, with a total of 21 fatalities recorded, with May and October also being dangerous with 20 deaths recorded in each month.
Approximately 1 in 5 of those killed were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of collision.
Assistant Commissioner Michael Finn, An Garda Síochána said that a new policing plan will be rolled out in 2017, which will tackle the “four killer behaviours”; speeding, drink driving, non-seatbelt wearing, and being on a mobile phone while driving.
Figures from Garda.ie show that over 140,000 people have been caught speeding (as of October 2016), and over 23,000 have been caught using their phones while behind the wheel.
Source: ‘Traffic Statistics for 2016’ from http://www.garda.ie/
Gardaí are to increase their Road Policing Unit by 10% in 2017.
Minister for Transport Shane Ross, says: “I am very saddened by such a huge loss of life on our roads in 2016.”
“I am also acutely aware that these are more than just numbers. They represent someone’s son, daughter, brother, sister, father or mother. If anything is to come from such a tragic loss of life it is that it should serve as a reminder to us all that the road is a shared space, and that we have a duty of care towards each other every time we use the road.”
“I can assure you that this Government is determined to do all it can to reverse the increase in road casualties witnessed this year and to improving safety overall on our roads. Specifically, I look forward to the commencement of the provisions contained in the new Road Traffic Act 2016 which was signed into law by the President this week.”
“This new Act introduces a series of reforms to deal with drug driving; written off vehicles; mutual recognition of driver disqualifications between Ireland and the UK; uninsured drivers; and a new optional 20km/h speed limit in built-up areas among other measures. I am confident that these new road safety measures will go some way towards improving road safety in 2016.”
