The number of people who lost their lives on Donegal roads has decreased by 45% this year, according to the latest RSA report.
There were 6 deaths on roads in Donegal in 2017, down from 11 fatalities in the previous year. The latest figures are in line with the lowest on record in the last 17 years.
Figures from Donegal County Council
There was a record low of road fatalities across Ireland in 2017, as a total of 158 people lost their lives as a result of 143 fatal crashes. The total is down by 15% from 2016, when 186 lives were lost in 174 fatal crashes.
2017 was the safest year on Ireland’s roads since road deaths were first recorded in 1959.
Minister for Transport Shane Ross said he is heartened to see a decrease in road deaths, but it is still “not good enough.”
He called for continued efforts to achieve the national objective of reducing fatalities to 124 by 2020.
“Ultimately our aim should be zero deaths on our roads,” Minister Ross said.
The Provisional road collision statistics report for 2017, published by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) analysed the worst times for fatalities and looked at the average profiles of road users involved in collisions.
March, July and November were the most dangerous months for road fatalities in 2017, with 54 deaths recorded in the three months. On average, Mondays had the highest number of fatalities, followed by Sundays. The highest number of fatalities occurred from 12pm-4pm, while 6pm – 8pm and 10am -12pm were also particularly dangerous.
Deaths on Ireland’s rural roads continue to be much higher than in urban areas. In 2017 there were 40 deaths on urban roads, compared with 116 on rural roads.
The highest risk age groups in 2017 are those aged 66 and older (21% of all road users killed), 16-25 year olds (21%) and those aged 26-35 (18%). This is a similar trend to that of 2016.
There has been an increase in pedal cyclist fatalities (+5) in 2017 compared to 2016.
There has been fewer child fatalities in 2017 (4) compared to 2016 (10). There has also been a reduction in pedestrian (-5) and motorcyclist fatalities (-2).
Commenting on the figures Mr. Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism said; “It is very encouraging to see that we have reversed the upward trend in road deaths witnessed in 2016. The combined focus on improved legislation, greater enforcement and road safety campaigns all played their part in saving lives.
“But while it is heartening to see that 2017 was the lowest year on record for road deaths, this is not good enough. We need to continue our efforts if we are to achieve the objective of reducing fatalities to 124 by 2020. Ultimately our aim should be zero deaths on our roads.”
The Minister said: “It’s obvious that better road traffic legislation saves lives. A vital tool in helping to reduce deaths and injury further is the new Road Traffic Bill (Amendment) 2017. I implore all members of the Oireachtas to allow its unimpeded passage so that its life saving measures can be introduced without delay.”
Minister Ross noted that greater enforcement had resulted in higher detection figures and welcomed the commitment from An Garda Siochana that the 2017 increase of 10% in the Traffic Corps will be repeated in 2018.
Minister Ross added: “It would also appear indisputable that the bravery of people like Gillian and Ronan Treacy in working with the RSA to show the devastation caused by reckless driving is making a real impact on the public consciousness. I thank them and all the road traffic victims groups who have campaigned so hard and so selflessly to make our roads safer.”
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