• Almost 2/3 of road deaths occur on rural roads
• Eleven drivers and three passengers killed were not wearing a seatbelt
• A further 78 people could die on roads by end of year 

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána have today published a provisional review of road fatalities for the first half of 2018. The review shows that from 1 January to 30 June 2018, 78 people died on Irish roads in 73 collisions. This represents 3% more collisions and 3% more deaths compared to provisional Garda data for the same period in 2017. The RSA has warned that, if the current trend continues, up to 78 more people could die before the end of 2018.

The review shows that:

• Road deaths have increased by 2 when compared to figures for the same period last year
• Up to 30 June 2018, 39 drivers, 12 passengers, 18 pedestrians, 3 motorcyclists and 6 pedal cyclists have been killed on Irish roads
• April and June were the worst months for road fatalities with 17 deaths in each month. 

Chief Superintendent Finbarr Murphy, Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, said: “I appeal to the public to act responsibly and practice good road safety habits. In particular, I would remind people of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is no longer acceptable in society to drink or take drugs and drive at any time of the year. No one has the right to put other people’s safety and lives in danger through their selfish actions. The members of the Roads Policing Unit will continue over the second half of 2018 to target high-risk drivers in order to make the roads safer for all.”