Concern expressed over increased road deaths

A total of 10 deaths have occurred on the roads in Cavan and Monaghan so far this year, the latest figures have shown.

The news comes against a background of increased number of deaths nationally. “Unfortunately, 148 people have lost their lives on Irish roads so far this year – an increase of 17 deaths compared to the same period in 2012,” said Jim Higgins, the Midlands North West MEP confirmed.

“Within the Cavan-Monaghan Garda division, 10 people have tragically lost their lives as a result of road accidents so far this year. In 2012, the RSA recorded 12 fatal road accidents in Counties Cavan and Monaghan in total,” Mr Higgins, Ireland's Member of the European Parliament Transport Committee, said.

“In the neighbouring border counties, the figure in the Donegal division stands at nine. A further three road deaths have been recorded in Louth division so far this year.

“Of course, one road death is one too many. To see the overall figures increasing in 2013 is extremely worrying, especially after a successful road safety campaign in Ireland which has resulted in a continuous reduction in fatal road accidents in recent years,” Mr Higgins added, as Ireland’s member of the European Parliament Transport Committee.

Since the beginning of 2007 there has been a 56 per cent decrease in road deaths, while the total number of injuries has also been halved. In 2002, 376 fatal road accidents occurred on Irish roads. By 2012, that figure was reduced to 161.

'Last year was the safest ever year on Irish roads, thanks to the work of the Road Safety Authority, the Gardaí and road users.'

Addressing road users specifically, the Fine Gael MEP added: “It is everyone’s responsibility to take care on the roads, slow down and pay attention. The rules of the road, the speed checks and so on are there for your own protection – to save your life and that of your passengers and others.”