The “culture of recklessness” contributing to increased road deaths must be solved by increased policing, according to Minister of State Jack Chambers.
There have been 56 road deaths in Ireland since the beginning of 2024, an increase of 14 compared to the same period last year.
While there is no information about specific causes of road deaths, there are increasing calls to address the rise in fatalities.
Minister of State for the Department of Transport Chambers said there are “four key factors” contributing to increased accidents.
“Speed is still a central factor,” he told The Anton Savage Show. “When you look at the fatalities last year, we know from when the there was a very significant examination of three months of fatalities last year, [and] speed was a factor in 25% of the fatalities.
“Distracted driving is still a very significant contributing factor people using their mobile phones.”
Drug driving
Mr Chambers said, alcohol and drug driving is an “enormous factor”.
“We know from the Gardaí that drug driving is on the up and is a serious contributing factor,” he said.
“Also, a really worrying trend which is continuing to persist... is not wearing a seatbelt.
“We know from the figures last year of 101 drivers and passengers killed - we don't have the information for 50% of them - but of the other 50, 40% were wearing a seatbelt and 10% were not.
“Basic road safety and people taking precautions wearing a seatbelt will save lives.”
Policing on the road
To address these issues in dangerous driving, Mr Chambers said increasing the number of Gardaí policing roads is crucial.
“The numbers have fallen in the roads policing units. And that means perception on enforcement isn't what it should be, and people are taking a chance.
“It's resulting in a culture of recklessness in people and lawlessness and people simply ignoring the law.”
While commending the work of existing Gardaí on the road, more visibility is needed to prevent crashes.
In particular, more checkpoints on Irish roads will make drivers more vigilant, according to the Minister of State.
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