Simple steps could be taken to prevent deaths on our roads

A reduction in road deaths in the first seven months of this year comes as a major relief following recent increases in carnage on the roads.

Following a historic low in the number of road deaths, the period between 2012 and 2014 saw an alarming 20 per cent rise in road fatalities which saw 192 people killed on Irish roads last year.

Some put the increase down to the economic recovery and greater numbers of vehicles on the road. But many road safety campaigners linked it to a greater willingness among drivers to take risks on foot of a decline in Garda checkpoints and loopholes in the penalty points regime.

Transport firms said the situation wasn’t helped by a decrease of about 50 per cent in road maintenance during the downturn.

But the latest figures indicate that we’re back on track to reducing road deaths significantly and ensuring we cement our good reputation for safety. We’re still one of the safest EU members states when measured on journeys taken, a measure which many safety campaigners feel is the most accurate.

Sweden, the UK and Ireland have the lowest number of deaths per kilometre travelled. The latest review shows that, from January to July of this year, 92 people died on our roads, representing 21 fewer deaths than the same period last year. A reduction in the number of vulnerable road users has been key to reduction.

The number of pedestrians killed is down from 23 to 18 over the same period last year. There were also fewer deaths of cyclists and motorcyclists to date in 2015 when compared to 2014.

That said, there’s little room for complacency. July was the single worst month of the year with 20 road deaths. If the trends continue at their current rate, a further 100 people are likely to die over the coming months.

A breakdown of the figures show that, whatever about perceptions of the enforcement of road traffic laws or the state of Irish carriageways, many deaths are still down to simple and preventable deaths.

Reckless and irresponsible behaviour by drivers remains a huge issue. Speeding remains the most common cause of death among drivers. Some 88,000 drivers were caught driving above legal limits so far this year.

And despite all the safety campaigns, drink-driving is still a major factor. Some 3,600 people have been prosecuted for the offence so far this year

Incredibly, not wearing a seat belt also remains major contributory factor to deaths. A worrying 4,700 people have been prosecuted for this in 2015 alone.

Of the 57 drivers or passengers killed to date in 2015, almost 20 were not wearing a seat belt.

Once again, the message will have to be driven home to motorists that when they take those risk, they are putting their lives – and the lives of others – at stake. Until that message gets through, the carnage is set to continue.