Deirdre O Meara 
Dublin, Ireland – Concerns have been raised over the safety of Irish roads following a recent increase in fatalities. According to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), there have been 98 deaths on Irish roads so far this year, a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2019.
The RSA has called for urgent action to be taken to address the issue, stating that the increase in fatalities is unacceptable. The authority has also highlighted the need for greater enforcement of traffic laws, increased penalties for dangerous driving, and improved road infrastructure.
One of the main causes of road fatalities in Ireland is speeding. In 2018, excessive speed was a factor in 41% of fatal collisions. Other contributing factors include driver fatigue, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failure to wear seatbelts.
The issue of road safety has been a long-standing concern in Ireland. The government has introduced a number of measures in recent years to address the issue, including the introduction of penalty points for a range of driving offences and increased penalties for dangerous driving.
However, despite these efforts, the number of fatalities on Irish roads has remained stubbornly high. The RSA has called for a renewed focus on road safety, with a particular emphasis on reducing the number of deaths caused by speeding.
In addition to the human cost of road fatalities, there is also a significant economic cost. The RSA estimates that the cost of road collisions in Ireland is around €1.5 billion per year.
The issue of road safety is not unique to Ireland. Across Europe, there are around 25,000 road fatalities each year. The European Commission has set a target of reducing the number of road deaths by 50% by 2030, compared to 2020 levels.
To achieve this target, the Commission has proposed a range of measures, including the introduction of new safety features in vehicles, improved road infrastructure, and greater enforcement of traffic laws.
In Ireland, there is a need for a concerted effort to address the issue of road safety. This will require the cooperation of all stakeholders, including government, law enforcement agencies, and road users themselves.
The government must provide the necessary resources to improve road infrastructure and increase enforcement of traffic laws. Law enforcement agencies must ensure that dangerous drivers are brought to justice, and road users must take responsibility for their own safety by obeying traffic laws and driving safely.
Ultimately, the issue of road safety is one that affects us all. We all have a role to play in reducing the number of fatalities on Irish roads and ensuring that our roads are safe for everyone.
