The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána have issued an urgent road safety appeal to all road users to slow down, wear seatbelts, not to drive when impaired, or distracted – particularly by illegally using your phone while driving –, or when tired.

Also, drivers are urged to watch out for vulnerable road users over this Easter Bank Holiday weekend. It should be borne in mind that this appeal follows an extremely worrying increase in road deaths so far in 2022.

Provisional figures from An Garda Síochána show that 50 people have lost their lives on Irish roads to date this year compared to 29 up to the same date last year. This is 21 more unnecessary deaths and heartache for families and friends and represents an almost doubling of last year’s figure. 

While the RSA and An Garda Síochána have issued a general appeal for road users to take greater care on the road this Easter Bank Holiday there will also be focus on drug driving. Analysis by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) shows that cannabis and cocaine remain the most detected drugs in drivers on Irish roads. In 2021, 57% of specimens tested for drugs contained cannabis, 31% contained cocaine and 14% were found to have benzodiazepines.

Mr Sam Waide, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority, said that: “We have had an appalling start to the year on our roads with 50 lives lost. An average of 15 people have been killed each month on the road to date this year. If we continue on this path, we could end up losing 180 lives this year. Ireland is in Danger of having the highest number of road fatalities in a decade. If we all act now and improve our behaviour on the road, collectively we can avoid this preventable loss of life.”

Assistant Commissioner, Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána added: Every road traffic fatality is a tragedy. We all need to examine our behaviour and ensure that we do not contribute to fatal and serious injury collisions. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. It is expected that large numbers will be travelling on our roads this Easter period. Motorists should plan their journey and pay attention to other road users. We want everyone to stay safe and enjoy the holiday period. Remember that every decision you make on the road counts.”