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Road deaths drop to a record low in 2018 03.01.19

PROVISIONAL road collision statistics for 2018 show Ireland continued to improve its road safety performance by recording a 4% drop in road deaths, making it the safest year since road deaths were first recorded in 1959.
Up to 3pm on the 31 December 2018 a total of 149 people lost their lives on Ireland’s roads as a result of 142 fatal crashes, compared to 156 lives lost in 141 fatal crashes in 2017. This represents 7 fewer fatalities or a 4% drop in deaths. The figures were published by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) on Monday 31 December 2018, following an analysis of fatal collision reports by An Garda Síochána.
Commenting on the country’s road safety performance as 2018 draws to a close Mr. Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport said; "Although the figures are marginally improved, they are not good enough. Speed continues to kill (130,000 drivers were detected committing speeding offences in 2018). Drink driving persists and unaccompanied learner drivers continue to break the law. Reckless road users cannot be allowed to ruin the lives of innocent others and their families. In 2019 the crusade to improve road safety and save lives will accelerate.”
A total of 149 people lost their lives on Ireland’s roads as a result of 142 fatal crashes in 2018.
Ms Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson of the RSA said, "2018 saw the introduction of very important road safety legislation. If motorists comply with these new provisions it will translate into lives saved and injuries prevented. Garda Roads Policing numbers increased in 2018, and there is a commitment from An Garda Síochána to further increase numbers in 2019 to meet original targets. This will mean that those who don’t comply with these new provisions and other road traffic laws can expect to be detected and face the consequences of their actions.”
Ms. O’Donnell also called for funding to be provided to An Garda Síochána to enable the national roll out of new smartphone and in-vehicle technology, commonly referred to as the Garda Mobility Project, which allows individual gardai check the licence and insurance status of drivers at the roadside. "This technology facilitates the identification of a range of offences at the road side, in particular disqualified drivers, unaccompanied learner drivers and those driving uninsured. The introduction of this mobile technology will revolutionise road traffic policing and needs to be given the highest priority in 2019.”
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