The primary aim of the government’s new road safety strategy is to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish roads by 50% over the next 10 years. This means reducing deaths on Ireland’s roads annually from 144 to 72 or lower and reducing serious injuries from 1,259 to 630 or lower by 2030.

Safe road use incorporates a wide range of safety behaviours such as compliance with the posted speed limit, driving without impairment (due to alcohol, drugs, fatigue or distraction), helmet wearing, seat belt wearing and correct use of child restraints. Driver standards, such as graduated driver licensing, will be reviewed and revised as needed in line with best practice. The implementation of alcohol interlock programmes for drink-driving offenders and ways of enhancing the roadside drug testing system and legislation will be explored, as will the provision of tailored road safety information to support drivers during communications with the RSA. 

• Report monthly on the number of breath tests drug tests administered at Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) checkpoints and the results. 
• Legislate for increased sanctions for polydrug and drug and alcohol use while driving.
• Establish a working group to make recommendations for the implementation of an alcohol interlock programme for drink-driving offenders, supported by a drink-drive rehabilitation course.
• Review the penalties for serious road traffic offences (e.g., impaired driving).