NSC: Road deaths up 26% so far this year

The number of people killed on Ireland’s roads so far this year is 26% higher than in the same period last year, according to the National Safety Council.

The council said 101 people had died in road accidents since January 1, compared to 80 in the same period last year.

The latest victim was a 14-year-old boy who died when the car he was travelling in collided with an articulated lorry on the main Cork to Macroom road near Farren yesterday.

Meanwhile, the Safety Council has also issued its traditional call on road users to exercise extra vigilance this bank holiday weekend.

Five people were killed and 140 were injured in road accidents over last year’s Easter weekend.