The road deaths in Ireland in the first half of 2023 are the worst in six years.
New RSA figures show there were 100 deaths on Irish roads by August 1st.
That is an increase of 11 fatalities compared to the same time last year.
The Road Safety Authority has warned if current trends continue, up to 168 lives will be lost on Irish roads this year.
Some 23 people aged 16 to 25 were killed on the road this year, almost as many as in the same period in 2021 and 2022 combined.
Galway (11), Mayo (10) and Cork (9) have recorded the most road deaths in the country so far this year.
Almost half (49%) of deaths occurred between 8pm and 8am, when roads are quietest.
'We are losing momentum'
In a statement, RSA CEO Sam Waide said the figures are “alarming”.
“The evidence suggests that as a society we are losing momentum when it comes to road safety - with tragic consequences,” he said.
“We could see 168 homes with an empty place at their table this Christmas time.”
Some two teenagers died yesterday, July 31st, in a single vehicle collision in county Monaghan. A van driver also died yesterday in a collision with an articulated truck in county Tipperary.
A motorcyclist died in Wicklow in a crash with a car on July 30th, while a man died in a crash between a car and tractor on July 27th.
Safety strategy
Roads Policing Assistant Commissioner for An Garda Síochána Paula Hillman said Gardaí are “fully committed” to reversing the trend in road deaths.
“At both national and local level to working with road safety partners, local authorities, and communities,” she said.
“We are focussing on road safety design and engineering, technology, education, and targeted enforcement.
“Every fatality on our roads is one too many. We will play our part in keeping the roads safe for all.”
The RSA said they plan to increase targeted education towards younger male cohorts and people in Galway, Cork and Mayo.
