Galway saw a sharp drop in the number of road deaths last year, despite an overall increase in the number of traffic fatalities nationwide.
There were six people killed on the road in Galway in 2022, provisional figures show, compared with 12 the previous year.
Nationwide there was a 13% increase in the number of road fatalities in 2022, with 155 people killed in 149 crashes, compared with 137 deaths in 124 fatal road collisions in 2021.
The figures also indicate that the number of pedestrians killed in traffic collisions doubled last year, with 41 such deaths in 2022.
Ms. Liz O’Donnell, Chairperson of the RSA said, “The end of year road fatality figures for 2022 should serve as a reminder to us all of our shared responsibility to always be safety aware on our roads, and to pay special attention to motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians.”
“We simply must get back on track and reverse the increase in deaths. It means that all of us must accept greater responsibility when using the road and become custodians and champions for safety on the road.”
Assistant Garda Commissioner Paula Hilman that we must think of the families, friends, and communities impacted by deaths and serious injuries on our roads.
“We are committed to reversing this trend and will continue to work with all agencies and ensure we play our part in delivering the government Road Safety Strategy and measures needed to make our roads safer.”
Despite a decrease in the number of drivers killed (60, -10), drivers still accounted for the highest proportion of fatalities at 39%.
Provisional figures show that there were 1,292 serious injuries resulting from crashes up to December 29, 2022, compared to 1,342 up to the same period in 2021.
Cork (13), Dublin (13) and Limerick (10) were the counties that recorded the highest number of deaths.
Where it was possible to establish the use of a seatbelt or not among drivers and passengers killed, a total of 19% were found not to have been wearing a seatbelt.
Assistant Commissioner Hillman said that last year saw An Garda Síochána continue their focus on lifesaver offences of speeding, mobile phone use, seatbelt offences and driving while intoxicated.
“All of these behaviours are leading factors in reducing serious injury and death on our roads.”
There were almost 200,000 people in the country caught speeding last year, along with more than 5,800 not wearing a seatbelt, over 18,200 caught using their phone, and 9,100 driving while drink or on drugs.
