Alarming rise of road deaths in Ireland to be examined in RTÉ Prime Time special

As the death toll on Irish roads continues to climb, RTÉ’s Prime Time will examine the trend of escalating road fatalities, making this the deadliest period in a decade.

Experts explore some of the urgent measures needed to halt this concerning rise.  

Across this week, Prime Time will publish a number of digital reports providing in-depth detail on road safety data and what can be done to reverse the trend, culminating in a dedicated programme this Thursday night presented by Miriam O’Callaghan and Fran McNulty on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player featuring experts, campaigners and families affected.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers will be in studio to respond to the report.  

The growing number of road deaths in Ireland goes against the European trend.

According to an analysis published by the European Commission in early March, comparing road deaths per million inhabitants per European country in 2023, against the average of three pre-pandemic years, Ireland had the highest percentage increase of any country, up 29%.

Experts point to intoxicated driving, enforcement, and speeding distraction as contributing factors. 

Speeding remains a major factor in road traffic fatalities, disproportionately affecting male drivers. 87% of drivers killed while driving above an appropriate speed were male, according to the latest RSA data. 

RTÉ Prime Time reporter Jack McCarron examines further the fact disqualified drivers are failing to surrender their licences and permits.

He speaks to the family of a man killed by a disqualified driver who are calling for a system overhaul after figures were recently highlighted. 

Between 2016 and 2022, over 25,000 drivers were ordered by courts to surrender their driving licenses or permits due to disqualification, more than 80% of disqualified drivers failed to comply.

Separately, more than 95% of nearly 17,000 learner drivers who had their permits disqualified in the last seven years failed to surrender them.

The reports will also investigate local areas prone to frequent collisions, including the Duncannon Line, a 56km regional road in Wexford.

Locally dubbed Ireland's most 'notorious' road, it has gained attention due to its alarming rate of fatalities in recent years. 

Prime Time's in-depth analysis will add to the crucial conversation on the urgent actions needed to curb the rising death toll on Irish roads.

The programme will feature insights from leading experts, stakeholders, and officials, providing information and statistics. 

Watch Prime Time Road Safety Special, Thursday April 11 at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.