A recent report by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has revealed alarming statistics regarding road safety in Ireland. Despite efforts to improve road conditions, Ireland finds itself in third place within the EU for road traffic deaths on rural roads. Shockingly, over two-thirds of road accident fatalities in Ireland occur on these interior routes.
The report highlights a worrying trend: while other EU countries have witnessed a decrease in average speeds on rural roads, Ireland is experiencing an increase. This dangerous trend exacerbates the risk of accidents.
Moreover, compliance with speed limits remains a significant issue. Only 22% of individuals adhere to the 50km/h speed limit on rural roads, while 75% comply with the 100 km/h limit.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the recent spike in road accidents, resulting in 55 fatalities in Ireland this year alone. ETSC urges immediate government intervention to address this pressing issue.
Across the EU, rural roads contribute significantly to road traffic deaths, with an estimated 10,000 fatalities in 2022. With rural road safety at the forefront, Ireland must prioritize effective measures to reduce accidents and save lives.