The number of people killed on Irish roads this year remains “unacceptably high” despite a 70% drop in traffic volume during the lockdown.

There have been 64 deaths on Irish roads this year – the same number recorded over the same period last year.

Twenty-seven people have died on the road since the first COVID-19 restrictions were announced on March 13th – including nine in the days leading up to the first travel restrictions.

Thirty-seven people had already died in the first two-and-a-half months of the year – eight more than the same period last year.

RSA Road Safety Campaign, 10-06-2020. Image: RSA

This morning, Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) launched a new campaign urging people to remain extra cautious as the roads get busier.

The campaign calls on drivers to slow down with more people out walking and cycling – and to give their vehicle a basic safety check before taking it back out on the road.

RSA Chair Liz O’Donnell launches the latest road safety campaign in Dublin, 10-06-2020. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

RSA Chairperson Liz O’Donnell said there was a spike in car crashes in the days before the travel restrictions were put in place and she is concerned it may be repeated as they are eased.

“While fewer people were killed during the period of restrictions, the level of road deaths was unacceptably high when you consider there was a 70% drop in traffic volumes,” she said.

“I am also fearful that as people start getting back on the roads, they will fail to realise that there is now a changed environment on our roads – not only are children on their summer holidays, there are more people out walking and cycling, all the while trying to social distance.

“As the restrictions are relaxed, it is more important than ever that we share the roads safely. Drivers need to slow down and be mindful of these vulnerable road users.”

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman launches the latest road safety campaign in Dublin, 10-06-2020. Image: Sam Boal/RollingNews

Garda Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said the roads will be different to what many people remember when they get back driving again.

“The landscape in our cities is changing due to the increased allocation of road space to cycle lanes and pedestrian pathways,” she said.

“We are appealing to all road users, country-wide, to continue to be vigilant while on the roads – be aware of changed road layouts and be mindful of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motor cyclists.”

She said Gardaí would “maintain a visible presence” on the roads in the coming weeks and months and said all drivers “have a responsibility to help each other to stay safe on our roads.”

Transport Minister Shane Ross said the public’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak has been extraordinary and urged drivers to show the same commitment to saving lives on the road.

“We know from the data that most road deaths are preventable – most collisions are as a result of human behaviour,” he said.

“So just as we have adapted our behaviour in the face of a pandemic, we must be prepared to change our behaviour to meet the challenges with more of us walking and cycling on the road.”

The ‘We’re on the road back. Make it a safer one’ campaign will air on radio and through social media.