Ireland among best EU performers for reducing road deaths

Ireland has been rated as one of the best performing countries in the EU for reducing road deaths since 2005.

The European Commission today said that following a 42% reduction in road deaths since then, against the EU average reduction of 35%, Ireland is now classed as one the top performing countries for reducing numbers killed in road accidents. In 2009, 54 people were killed per 1 million inhabitants in Ireland.

A number of Irish organisations including the Road Haulage association today signed up to the European Road Safety Charter for the first time, joining 36 other Irish organisations such as Dublin City Council and the AA, who are already signatories.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey at a ceremony in Dublin said the move represents a public commitment by businesses, organisations and local authorities to continue reducing deaths on our roads.

Around 1,800 organisations around the EU have signed the Charter since 2005. The Charter was created under the Irish EU presidency when European Transport Ministers meeting in Dublin agreed to support national initiatives designed to improve road safety.