Road deaths in Ireland almost double since same period last year

Between January 1 2022 and April 12 2022, 50 people have died on our roads, up 23 deaths from 2021.

It comes as An Garda Síochána and RSA launch their Easter Bank Holiday Road Safety Appeal.

They’ve issued an urgent road safety appeal to all road users to slow down, wear seatbelts, not to drive when impaired, distracted or when tired.

They’ve also appealed for drivers to watch out for vulnerable road users over this Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

There will also be a major focus on drug driving.

An Garda Síochána figures for the full year 2021 saw over 3,300 arrests for Drug-Driving. The number of arrests in 2022, up to 31 March, is 768.

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.

“Every road traffic fatality is a tragedy,” Assistant Commissioner, Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána said.

“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.”

Assistant Commissioner Hilman added: "This Easter Bank Holiday weekend, members of An Garda Síochána will focus on the detection of key lifesaver offences which include speeding, drink/drug driving, non-wearing of seat-belts and using a mobile phone while driving.”

“Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) checkpoints will be undertaken throughout the country. Don’t ever drive under the influence of an intoxicant. If you drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs you risk losing your licence,” she said.

“Our priority is to keep people safe, so I would ask you to please make responsible decisions this holiday period and don’t ever drive under the influence of an intoxicant.”