Ireland behind on road safety

THE road safety of young Europeans has improved faster than overall road safety for the rest of the population — but not in Ireland, a report shows.

About 140,000 people in the 15-30 age group were killed in road collisions on European roads over the past decade.

A study by the European Transport Safety Council showed Ireland was one of six EU states where the road safety of all other age groups had improved at a faster rate than for those aged 15-30.

It also showed an average annual reduction of 6% in the number of young people aged 15-30 killed in road traffic accidents in Ireland over the past decade.

However, the figure is below the EU average of 7%.

Overall, young people aged 15-30 account for 20% of the EU’s population but make up 30% of road fatalities.

The report highlights how 18-24-year-olds represent just 9% of the Irish population but more than 26% of road deaths.

Young people aged 25-30 account for 11% of the population but 14% of road fatalities.

The Brussels-based safety group claimed the level of deaths among 18-24-year-olds in Ireland was “particularly problematic”.

However, the Road Safety Authority was praised for its efforts to tackle the problem.

The European Transport Safety Council claimed the potential for further reductions in road fatalities was far from exhausted.