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Ireland’s road fatalities jumped by 31pc – the biggest increase in road fatalities in the European Union – between 2019 and 2023, according to a new report by the European Commission.
The figures illustrated how Ireland was one of just six countries within the bloc that saw an increase in their road fatalities, but most of those recorded a single-digit increase, far below Ireland’s 31pc jump. The EU as a whole saw an 11pc decrease in the same timeframe.
Last year, Ireland recorded 184 road fatalities, 19pc higher than in 2022. So far this year, 139 people have died on Irish roads.
Alongside Ireland, the biggest jump in fatalities were seen across Luxembourg (18pc), Estonia and Latvia at 18pc and 13pc, respectively.
Poland recorded the greatest fall in the period of 35pc.
Austria, Lithuania and Slovenia are some member states to have recorded notable falls in road deaths.
In its annual report the European Commission calls on member states to take steps to reduce road deaths.
These measures include a probation period of two years new drivers; allow young people to take their test and commence accompanied driving of cars and lorries from the age of 17 to gain more experience on the road; implement driver training and testing to better prepare drivers for the presence of vulnerable users on the road; and a more targeted assessment of medical fitness to take into account medical advancements in treating ailments, such as diabetes.