Number of road deaths in Ireland in 2021 is lowest since 1959; RSA publishes yearly report

The number of people died in road accidents in 2021 is the lowest since it first recorded in 1959. According to a report by the Journal, A total of 130 people died in 119 fatal road collisions in 2021 compared to 146 deaths in 135 fatal road collisions in 2020. This represents 16 fewer deaths or an 11% drop in road fatalities compared to last year.

The figures were published by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) today following an analysis of provisional fatal collision reports by An Garda Síochána.

18 pedestrians were killed in road accidents in 2021 and this is the lowest in last 25 years, the report says (a breakdown by road users is only available since 1996).

There were increases in fatalities among both drivers (68, up seven) and motorcyclists in 2021 (21, up four).

Provisional figures for serious injuries indicate that 1,091 serious injuries were recorded up to the 21 December 2021 compared to 1,105 in 2020.

“The reduction in road deaths this year means that lives have been saved. While we never know who these people are, it is important that the road using public know that because of their choices and actions, fewer families had to deal with road trauma in 2021,” RSA chairperson Liz O’Donnell said. 

Meanwhile the Transport Department had launched an ambitious plan to reduce road deaths in Ireland which ultimately aims to bring the number of deaths on road to zero by 2050.

The Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 aims to halve the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by the end of the decade by introducing new safety measures.

The plan includes establishing a new working group on the setting of speed limits, with a specific consideration for the introduction of a 30km/h default speed limit in urban areas. Review of penalties for offenses such as impaired driving, speeding, mobile phone use and not wearing a seat belt will also be reviewed.

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