Louth road deaths increased in 2017

ROAD FATALITIES NOW AT HIGHEST LEVEL IN LOUTH FOR LAST DECADE

THE number of people killed on Louth roads increased again in 2017, according to figures from the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

The end of year statistics from the national agency indicated that 158 people died on Irish roads throughout last year.

This number included ten people killed in County Louth, an increase from seven in 2016.

Indeed the figures showed that the rate of fatalities in Louth over the last twelve months was at its highest for the last decade.

The RSA revealed that in the period January - December 2017 there were 143 fatal collisions resulting in 158 fatalities on Irish roads.

This represented 18% fewer collisions (-31) and 15% fewer deaths (-28) compared to provisional Garda data for the full year of 2016.

Of the 158 fatalities, there were 67 drivers killed, 26 passengers, 30 pedestrians, 20 motorcyclists and 15 pedal cyclists.

Louth was among five counties, along with Dublin, Cork, Mayo and Meath which had the highest rate of driver fatalities last year.

Drivers represented 75% of the fatalities across he country.

The highest number of fatal accidents on the roads were among those aged 16-25, followed by those in the 66+ age group.

The statistics also showed that almost 1 in 5 of the drivers and passengers killed were not wearing a seatbelt (19%).

Monday (37) and Sunday (32) were logged as ‘ the most dangerous days on Irish roads in 2017’ as they were the most common day for accidents and fatalities.

The highest number of fatalities in 2017 occurred between 12pm and 2pm (20), 2pm and 4pm (19) and 6pm and 8pm (18).

Commenting on road fatalities locally, Adrian O’Sullivan, Road Safety Officer for Co Louth said

‘Despite the number of fatalities on the country’s roads showing a reduction nationally of almost 20% this year compared to last year, this unfortunately has not been the case in County Louth.’

‘2017 has proven to be a bad year for road deaths in the county with 10 people having lost their lives already this year.’

I appeal to all road users to be cautious and extra vigilant every time they use the roads, particularly during the winter months.’

He added that road traffic injuries leave behind shattered families and communities.

‘While road traffic deaths are counted in the year they occur, a family remains bereaved forever. The bereaved are not counted or included in road traffic injury data.

‘ Ten families have lost loved ones in Co Louth. Spare a thought for them in 2018 and make a change so that another family doesn’t have to face a loss like this.’