There has been a steep rise in the number of deaths on Irish roads this year.
Gardaí said that after recording the safest year on record last year – the number of deaths has risen by 30% in 2019.
A total of 34 people have died on the road this year – nine more than at the same time last year.
Garda Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary said the increase is “significant and affects all parts of the country.”
“Every fatality has a devastating impact on family, friends and their local community.
“I call on every road user to play their part to make the roads safer.
“Think road safety every journey, and do everything you can to make the roads safer for all road users.”
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) March 5, 2019
Gardaí said that, last year, nearly a third of the people who died on the roads were not wearing a seat belt – with “early investigations” indicating that the trend has continued this year.
Chief Superintendent Cleary said: “Initial information from fatal collisions in 2019 reveal that excessive or inappropriate speeding, intoxicated driving and lack of safety belts appear time and time again.”
“Safety belts are proven life savers and must be worn every journey, every time.”
Gardaí said there has been a clear increase in the number of intoxicated drivers detected this year, as well as speeders and drivers using mobile phones.
Motorists are urged to be aware of the rise in road deaths and “think and be safe every journey.”
