Road carnage peaks in October with 35 deaths

LAST month was the most lethal period on Irish roads in more than two and a half years, with 35 people losing their lives in just 31 days.

New garda figures have confirmed the death toll — which included a number of fatalities involving Cork teenagers — with officers urging drivers to take heed of the dangers.

According to garda statistics, which were released as a female pedestrian in her mid-50s lost her life in Roscommon, last month was the most lethal on Irish roads since February 2008.

During the four-week period, a total of 35 people lost their lives, two-thirds of whom were aged between 16 and 30.

Three out of every four people who died during October were male, while a total of eight pedestrians and one cyclist lost their lives.

In the first 10 months of this year, 191 people have died on Irish roads — the equivalent of one death every day and a half.

“Sadly, so far this year 191 people were killed on the national roads,” said assistant garda commissioner John Twomey, calling on all road users to exercise care while travelling in order to avoid a further loss of life.

“This time of the year presents extra challenges with less daylight and a greater chance of wet and slippery road surfaces.

“Speed continues to play a large part in deaths on the roads.

“All these factors increase the likelihood of death and serious injuries to the driver, passenger or other road users,” he said.

Gardaí confirmed that a Roscommon woman in her 50s died yesterday evening due to injuries sustained when she was hit by a car.

The incident occurred at approximately 6pm on the old N6 road between Ballinasloe in Co Galway and Athlone in Co Westmeath.

Witnesses are asked to contact Roscommon Garda station on 090 6638300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

Meanwhile, a car overturned near Ballincollig in Cork city yesterday evening at approximately 8pm.

No fatalities or serious injuries occurred.