Limerick including parts of Clare records third highest number of fatalities in 2022

THE THIRD highest number of road fatalities per county in 2022 occurred in Limerick, according to the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

However, the figures for the Limerick Garda Division will be higher as it includes parts of Clare. Only Dublin and Cork, both with 13, had more people die on our roads. 

Nationally, provisional road collision figures show that the number of road deaths in 2022 increased by 13% compared to 2021.

A total of 155 people died in 149 fatal road collisions in 2022 compared to 137 deaths in 124 fatal road collisions in 2021. This represents an increase of 18 deaths or a 13% rise in road fatalities compared to last year.

The figures were published by the RSA on New Year's Day following an analysis of provisional fatal collision reports from An Garda Síochána.

The figures also indicate that the number of pedestrians killed in 2022 (41, +21) doubled compared to 2021. Despite a decrease in the number of drivers killed (60, -10), drivers still accounted for the highest proportion of fatalities at 39%. The number of passenger fatalities increased (22, +4) a 22% increase. 7 cyclists were killed in 2022, the same number as 2021. 

Provisional figures for serious injuries indicate that 1,292 serious injuries were recorded up to December 29 compared to 1,342 up to the same period in 2021.

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.

Commenting on road safety in 2022, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers said he was 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.

"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. It will also allow for the regulation of e-scooters on public roads and will allow Transport Infrastructure Ireland to vary speed limits on sections of the M50," said Mr Chambers.

Electric vehicle car registrations soar in County Clare in 2022

Liz O’Donnell, chairperson, 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. It also means progressing the 50 high impact and 136 supporting actions in the Road Safety Strategy. By doing this we can save lives and prevent injuries and put us on track to cut road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030," said Ms O'Donnell.

Sam Waide, chief executive, RSA said a priority area for action in 2023 will be safer speeds.

"Inappropriate and excessive speed will be a key focus of our communications. Specifically, the need for drivers to slow down, and the consequences of speeding for pedestrians and cyclists. A recent RSA observational survey found that 77% of drivers were driving in excess of the posted speed limit of 50km/hϮ. Urging drivers to slow down on 80km/h and 100km/h rural roads will also be an important area for the RSA next year given the fact that 69% of fatal crashes happened on these roads in 2022," said Mr Waide.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement, An Garda Síochána, said sadly 2022 saw a rise in fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. 

"We think of the families, friends and communities impacted by such devastating loss and injury.  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.

"During 2022 we continued our focus on the road traffic life saver detections 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. 2022 saw almost 200,000 speeding offences detected, over 5,800 detected for not wearing a seatbelt, over 18,200 people using their mobile phones and over 9,100 people arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated through drink or drugs or a combination of both. 

"As we enter 2023, I would appeal to all road users to think about our actions and behaviours on the roads.  We all share the road space and with this a shared responsibility - let us all look out for one another - together we can make our roads safer, and we can reduce the number of lives lost and people injured on our roads and make them safer for everyone," said Assistant Commissioner Hilman.