SIX DEATHS ON CO MONAGHAN ROADS IN 2022

There were six road fatalities recorded in Co Monaghan in 2022, an increase of one on the 2021 figure, a report issued by the Road Safety Authority noted this week. The RSA expressed concern that a 13% rise in road deaths nationwide had been recorded in the year just past. A total of 155 people died in 149 fatal road collisions in 2022 compared to 137 deaths in 124 fatal road collisions in 2021. Provisional figures presented by the RSA indicated that the number of pedestrians killed in 2022 (41, +21) doubled compared to 2021. Despite a decrease in the number of drivers killed (60, -10), drivers still accounted for the highest proportion of fatalities at 39%. The number of passenger fatalities increased (22, +4) a 22% increase.

Seven cyclists were killed in 2022, the same number as 2021. Provisional figures for serious injuries indicated that 1,292 serious injuries were recorded up to the 29 December 2022 compared to 1,342 up to the same period in 2021. Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jack Chambers said, “I am very concerned that so many lives have been lost on the roads in 2022. The high number of pedestrian deaths, who are the most vulnerable of road users in our community, is also worrying. Working together, we can reverse this trend in 2023. “For my part, I am determined to work with all the agencies signed up to the Government’s Road Safety Strategy to action measures to make our roads safe. Specifically, I look forward to the enactment of the new Road Traffic and Roads…