The number of deaths and serious injuries occurring on Irish roads remains a matter of huge concern and “extraordinary action” such as increasing speeding fines and penalty points could be taken if this trend does not stop, according to Sam Waide, chief executive of the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
In the year to date “there is a really concerning trend. [The number of collisions involving] drivers, motorcyclists is significantly up since last year. Speed is one of the key factors for all collisions, particularly fatal collisions.”
From January 1st to the April 13th, 50 people lost their lives on Irish roads, compared to 29 in the same period last year.
He said the RSA has not ruled out taking “additional extraordinary actions” to ensure Ireland’s fifth Road Safety Strategy, which aims to halve the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads over the next 10 years, is fully realised.
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Cameras which monitor a driver’s average speed while driving between fixed points have been installed on the M7 motorway and more are planned for other areas, according to Mr Waide.
He said increasing speeding fines, penalty points and potentially mandating offenders to attend driver’s education courses could all be considered.
“Any positive proactive educational suggestions are always welcome and considered by the RSA and the Department of Transport... but everything needs investment and supportive funding to deliver such programmes.”
He said the rising number of traffic fatalities is a trend identified in other EU states as the Covid-19 pandemic recedes.
Mr Waide also encouraged drivers and motorcyclists to be respectful of more vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. “Cyclists need to be given respect and space, when drivers are overtaking cyclists, they need to give them enough room. The roads are a shared space for everyone, there is not one particular group who have priority.”
Superintendent Sean Fallon of the Garda National Roads Policing also expressed concern about the number of fatalities on Irish roads this year.
He said education campaigns from an early age, such as the RSA’s annual Seatbelt Sheriff Awards, play a huge role in promoting road safety.
Both Mr Waide and Supt Fallon were speaking at these awards in Dublin Castle on Thursday.
Some 250 first and second class pupils attended the awards, coming from schools in Meath, Monaghan, Laois, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Louth and Carlow.
This is the first time the awards, now in their 18th year, have been held in person since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
First class students from Scoil Bhríde in Cannistown in Meath were awarded first prize in the Seatbelt Sheriff competition for their poster entitled “Click Clack So You Won’t Crack”.
Second class students from Annalitten NS in Castleblaney in Monaghan won the Hi-Glo Silver category for their “Glow Before You Go!” poster.
As part of the RSA’s programme, first class pupils can become “Seatbelt Sheriffs” by taking a pledge to wear their seatbelt and to encourage others in their car to do so. They are also given a badge to flash.
Second class students participate in a Hi-Glo Silver campaign, which encourages people to wear bright clothing and hi-vis vests when out walking or cycling at night.