Ninety-Two Deaths On Irish Roads To Date This Year

Ninety-two people have died in 87 collisions on Irish roads between January and July this year, new figures have revealed.

The figures, from the Road Safety Authority, An Garda Síochána and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, show 21 fewer fatalities and 17 fewer collisions than the same period in 2014.

Commenting on the review, Minister Paschal Donohoe said: "In the first seven months of this year, there have been 21 fewer deaths on our roads compared to the same period last year. While any reduction in road fatalities is to be welcomed, the month just gone was the worst on our roads so far this year, so we cannot and must not become complacent. If I could ask just one thing of everyone, it is that every time you use the roads, you treat other road-users with respect and consideration. By sharing the road safely together, we can all play a role in saving lives."

The review of fatalities from January to July 2015 found that:

• Road deaths have declined by 19% compared to last year (92 compared to 113) with reductions in all road-user groups

• Up to 31 July 2015, 41 drivers, 16 passengers, 18 pedestrians, 12 motorcyclists and 5 cyclists have been killed on Irish roads

• Reductions in road deaths were most evident in road-users aged 15 years or younger (down 11 in 2015), vehicle occupants (down 9 in 2015) and Vulnerable Road Users

• Younger and older drivers continue to remain a high risk group

• Non-wearing of seatbelts is a concern for both drivers and passengers

• Non-wearing of high visibility material is a concern for pedestrians

• The highest number of driver fatalities was recorded in Cork (6)

• Dublin recorded the highest number of Vulnerable Road User fatalities with 7 lives lost between January and July

• Sunday was the worst day for fatalities to date this year, compared to mid-week in 2014

• This year, more fatalities have occurred in the afternoon and evening (from 4pm to 10pm) than any other time period

• April had the lowest number of monthly fatalities since November 2012 with 8 fatalities. However, July was the most dangerous month, with 20 lives lost

(MH)