The number of people who died in a crash on Irish roads rose in 2019.
A total of 148 people lost their lives in 2019, compared to 142 in 2018, a 4% rise.
Up to 1pm on the 31 December 2019 a total of 148 people died on Ireland’s roads as a result of 137 fatal crashes, compared to 142 lives lost in 135 fatal crashes in 2018.
Casualty figures for 2019 show that while there has been a sharp drop in pedestrian deaths, down 15 or 36%, and passenger deaths, down 4 or 20%, there has been a worrying increase in the number of drivers killed, up 25 or 45%, compared to 2018.
Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport said: “The only way to respond to these needless deaths and injuries on our roads is through action not words.
"While families and friends grieve the loss of their loved one, we must as a society all respond with deeds, to prevent it happening to others."
Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson, RSA, said “We must respond to this increase the same way we have responded to previous setbacks. Rather than being disheartened it should spur us and our road safety partners into renewed effort.”
Moyagh Murdock, CEO of the Road Safety Authority said: “For 2020 we will ensure that our education and awareness plans target the main killer behaviours and that this is integrated into the Garda roads policing plans. I
"In particular we will prioritise the non- wearing of seatbelts and intoxicated driving through alcohol or drugs. We will also focus on promoting the safety of vulnerable road users.”
She added: “In 2019 there were over 2,500 vehicles seized that were being driven by unaccompanied learner drivers. We will continue to target those who have been relying long-term on a learner permit.
Driving test waiting times have never been lower with average waiting times of less than six weeks.”
Assistant Commissioner Dave Sheehan said: “Roads policing will remain a strategic priority for An Garda Síochána in 2020.
"The new mobility app will revolutionise the way roads policing is carried out in this country.
"Both additional front line Garda resources and the greater enforcement capability of the mobility app will increase enforcement activity and help in reversing this year’s increase and achieving the road safety target.”
