Ireland’s road safety levels are improving, but perhaps more slowly than is desirable. In 2018 there were 142 road deaths in Ireland. A significant improvement over the last 20 years where compared with the 458 road deaths in the country seen in 1998. Of note is that for 2014-2018, 25% of all fatal crashes and 20% of crashes involving serious injuries occurred during the 22.00-06.00 period when traffic volumes are typically low. In addition, 75% of crashes occurring from 2013-2016 in the 22.00-06.00 period involved alcohol use. Of concern too is that 40% of those killed in road crashes in Ireland were aged below 25, while 50% were aged from 25-44. Meanwhile, 67% of passengers killed in crashes were aged from 18-24. Rural roads with speed limits of 80km/h or more accounted for 70% of fatal crashes, with the majority of these incidents occurring at the weekend. And 90% of drivers of pedestrians killed in crashes were male, while 75% of passengers killed were male.
Ireland’s road safety is improving, slowly
Ireland’s road safety levels are improving, but perhaps more slowly than is desirable. In 2018 there were 142 road deaths in Ireland. A significant improvement over the last 20 years where compared with the 458 road deaths in the country seen in 1998. Of note is that for 2014-2018, 25% of all fatal crashes and 20% of crashes involving serious injuries occurred during the 22.00-06.00 period when traffic volumes are typically low. In addition, 75% of crashes occurring from 2013-2016 in the 22.00-06.00 period
