2023 road deaths up by almost a fifth
Cork had the joint second highest number of road deaths in the country in 2023 as Ireland recorded an overall increase of 19% in road fatalities compared to 2022.
According to new figures released by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), 184 people died in 173 fatal collisions in Ireland in 2023 compared to 155 deaths in 149 collisions in 2022.
Tipperary (16), Dublin (15), Cork (15), Galway (13), and Mayo (12) were the counties that recorded the highest number of deaths, accounting for 39% of the total fatalities.
The figures reveal a high proportion of male fatalities, a continuation of 2022’s increased level of pedestrian fatalities, and a high number of fatalities taking place at night when there is less traffic on the roads.
The majority of fatalities were male 78% (144), and 22% (40) were female.
Over a quarter of fatalities were aged 16-25 years old, compared with 16% in 2022.
Of the 184 people who died on Irish roads last year, 34 were passengers, 69 were drivers, 44 were pedestrians, 26 were motorcyclists, 8 were cyclists, and 3 were e-scooter users.
Commenting on the figures, RSA Chairperson, Liz O’Donnell, described 2023 as being “a difficult year in road safety”.
“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the tragic loss of life on Ireland’s roads in 2023,” said Ms O’Donnell.
“People are carrying huge grief with them, a grief that doesn’t go away and a void that cannot be filled in their lives. Any one life lost is one too many,” she added.
Ms O’Donnell also said that more must be done to bring road fatality numbers down and welcomed the proposed introduction of a National Strategy on Camera Based Enforcement.
She said: “A national strategy will ensure a consistent approach to the selection and use of the different forms of camera technologies as well as supporting the development of a roadmap for the rollout of camera-based enforcement and ensuring that enablers such as funding and other critical resources are identified.”
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers TD, said 2023 has been a heart-breaking and devastating year on Irish roads.
“Our thoughts are with all those impacted as we head into a new year,” said the minister.
He added: “We were able to progress a number of important reforms in 2023 which are specifically targeted at the lifesaver offences which we know are the main contributors to fatal road collisions.”
One such reform, The Road Traffic Bill, received cabinet approval in December and is hoped to be progressed through the Dáil in early 2024.
Minister Chambers continued:
“Work is well underway on a number of other initiatives in partnership with other Government departments and agencies to be delivered throughout this year.
“I would also like to pay tribute and special thanks to our emergency services and first responders who do incredible lifesaving work in the most challenging circumstances,” he added.
In December the RSA launched the SAY IT campaign which encourages family members and friends to speak to loved ones about dangerous driving behaviours, such as using a mobile phone, driving too fast or not wearing a seatbelt. The campaign will run for three months across national and regional radio stations, as well as national newspapers and social media activities.
This month, the annual road safety review will be held to identify key priorities for 2024, involving all key government agencies on the Road Safety Transformation Partnership Board, in addition to the minister responsible for road safety.