The number of deaths on Irish roads rose to 155 in 2022, and 13 of these deaths were reported in Dublin according to provisional figures.
The newly released figures were published by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) today following an analysis of provisional fatal collision reports from An Garda Síochána. According to the provisional figures, the number of pedestrian deaths in 2022 has doubled to 41 compared to last year.
Meanwhile, Dublin and Cork were jointly tied as having the highest number of road deaths with 13 people killed in each county, while there were 10 deaths in Limerick in 2022. The latest figures also showed that while there was a decrease in the number of drivers killed at 60 in 2022, drivers still accounted for the highest proportion of fatalities at 39%.
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The data also shows that the number of pedestrians killed in 2022 almost doubled to 41, compared to 2021. Despite a decrease in the number of drivers killed, they still accounted for the highest proportion of fatalities at 39 per cent.
There were 22 passenger fatalities, and seven cyclists were killed. Provisional figures also indicate 1,292 serious injuries were recorded up to December 29th, compared to 1,342 up to the same period in 2021.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers said that he was "very concerned" to hear of an increase in deaths on Irish roads. He said: “I am very concerned that so many lives have been lost on the roads in 2022. The high number of pedestrian deaths, who are the most vulnerable of road users in our community, is also worrying.
"Working together, we can reverse this trend in 2023. For my part, I am determined to work with all the agencies signed up to the Government’s Road Safety Strategy to action measures to make our roads safe.
Minister Chambers added: "Specifically, I look forward to the enactment of the new Road Traffic and Roads Bill in 2023. The Bill, amongst other road safety measures, will allow for the direct linking of vehicle and driver records held on the National Vehicle and Driver File which will assist An Garda Síochána in their road traffic enforcement activities."
The new bill is also expected to allow for the regulation of e-scooters on public roads, and it will allow Transport Infrastructure Ireland to vary speed limits on sections of the M50.
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