Road death figures to rise if trend continues

Ireland is on track for its first rise in road fatalities in eight years if current trends continue, gardaí have warned.

Figures show 118 people have died on the roads up to Aug 12 this year, seven more than this time last year. Gardaí are particularly concerned at a massive jump in motorcyclists being killed — 17 so far — compared with 16 for the whole of 2012.

The problems of speeding, not wearing seat belts, and using mobile phones are continuing to cause road deaths, with figures revealing that:

- Four out of five fatal crashes occur on roads with a speed limit of 80km/h or more;

- One in eight vehicle occupants killed this year were not wearing a seatbelt;

- Almost 13,000 instances of mobile phone use by drivers have been caught this year.

“If we fail to work together and reverse the increase in fatalities showing to date in 2013, we could ultimately be facing an increase in road fatalities for the first time in eight years,” said Chief Superintendent Michael O’Sullivan of the Garda National Traffic Bureau.

“Every road fatality brings devastation and heartbreak to the families and friends of those involved.”

Figures show that road fatalities have dropped dramatically in recent years, from 279 in 2008 to 212 in 2010 and to 162 in 2012, the lowest number ever recorded.

Of the 118 fatalities, 61 were drivers, 13 of whom were aged between 21 and 25, the highest of any age group. The figures show that more than half of fatal collisions involve just one vehicle, usually involving a loss of control.

“There is no doubt that excessive or inappropriate speed plays a significant factor in collisions, and in particular what happens to those involved,” said Chief Supt O’Sullivan.

“We know from our analysis that four out of five fatal road traffic collisions are occurring on roads with a speed limit of 80km/h or more. Reducing your speed, and ensuring you and all your passengers wear a seatbelt, could be the difference between life and death.”

Chief Supt O’Sullivan expressed alarm at the number of people still not wearing seatbelts, and said a lot of those who died could have survived if they had done so.

He added that inappropriate speed continued to be a major problem.

Figures show the majority of fatal collisions occur on local and regional roads outside built-up areas.

They also show that motorcyclists account for nearly 15% of road fatalities, despite only making up 1.5% of all vehicles.

Chief Supt O’Sullivan urged car drivers to be more aware of motorbikes being behind them when they decide, often at the last second, to turn right.

At the same time, Chief Supt O’Sullivan cautioned motorcyclists to be careful when passing out a car.

Road statistics

- 118 people killed so far this year — 111 in same period in 2012;

- 95,820 drivers caught speeding to end of June 2013;

- 5,974 drivers and passengers caught not wearing seatbelts;

- 12,898 drivers caught using mobile phone;

- 4,542 caught driving while intoxicated;

- 1,766 dangerous driving incidents detected.