Road deaths spike in early months of 2019

Gardaí want motorists to slow down and be more responsible in other ways such as wearing safety belts after a spike in road deaths this year.

It has that emerged 34 people have already died on Irish roads in 2019, nine more than the same period last year. Instances of drink-driving, speeding and occupants not wearing seatbelts are all on the up. Of the 34 people who have lost their lives, 25 have either been a driver or passenger. 

Gardaí say the rise must be addressed immediately and they appealed to every road user to re-double their efforts and to use the road as safely as they possibly can.

Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary, is Garda National Roads Policing Bureau.

"This increase in road deaths is significant and affects all parts of the country. Every fatality has a devastating impact on family, friends and their local community. I call on every road user to play their part to make the roads safer. Think road safety every journey, and do everything you can to make the roads safer for all road users," he said.

Gardaí say every fatal road traffic collision is fully investigated by highly trained Forensic Collision Investigators.

Analysis of findings shows early a third of deaths involved no safety belt. Other factors such as excessive or inappropriate speed, weather or road conditions. Drink driving is also a significant factor in deaths. 

"Initial information from fatal collisions in 2019 reveal that excessive or inappropriate speeding, intoxicated driving and lack of safety belts appear time and time again. In 2018, up to 1 in 3 of the people who died were not wearing a safety belt at the time of the collision. Safety belts are proven lifesavers and must be worn every journey, every time.

"An Garda Síochána, the RSA and all partner stakeholders work hard to make the roads safe, however, we need and appeal today for the support and help of all road users. Whilst the vast majority are complaint and should be commended, many are not. This non-compliance creates risk on the road to all road users. Mistakes on the road cause collisions, preventing mistakes prevents collisions. Please note this significant increase in road deaths and Think and be safe every journey," said Chief Superintendent Cleary.