Stark warning as road deaths in first half of 2023 worst in six years

ROAD deaths in the first half of 2023 are the highest for six years, with 100 people losing their lives on Ireland’s roads since January.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Siochana have issued a stark warning that years of road safety progress is at risk of being undone.

New figures reveal that road deaths in the first half of 2023 are the worst for six years, with a 10 per cent increase when compared with the same period last year.

In a statement released today, the RSA confirmed that as of this morning, August 1, there have been 100 deaths on the road.

This is an increase of 11 fatalities compared to the same period last year.

Data was also made available from a Preliminary Analysis of Road Traffic Fatalities by the RSA. This data is as of July 26.

According to the data, 23 young people aged between 16 and 25 years have lost their lives so far this year.

Almost half (49 per cent) of all deaths on the road this year occurred at night-time (8pm to 8am), when the roads are at their quietest.

The counties of Galway, Mayo and Cork accounted for almost one third of all fatalities, the preliminary analysis showed.

The RSA and gardai are appealing to all road users to be more vigilant on our roads.

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.”

He added: “We all have a duty – all parts of society and every road user – to do everything we can to reverse this trend and save lives.

“I hope today can mark the start of a fightback from all of us to regain the progress we had made and make the second half of 2023 safer for all road users.”

The RSA said that it is intensifying existing public education and awareness campaigns, which target the main contributory factors for deaths and serious injuries – and that target high-risk groups.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, said: “Road deaths are a tragedy for all affected.

“The figures published today starkly demonstrate that.

“An Garda Síochána are fully committed to playing our part in the comprehensive approach required to promote road safety and reverse the trend we are seeing in 2023.

“At both national and local level to working with road safety partners, local authorities, and communities, we are focussing on road safety design and engineering, technology, education, and targeted enforcement.

“Every fatality on our roads is one too many. We will play our part in keeping the roads safe for all.”