The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has highlighted that the majority of these fatalities are due to speeding, reckless driving, and failure to adhere to road safety regulations. The increase in road deaths has not only affected families and communities but has also placed a significant burden on emergency services and healthcare systems. The RSA is now pushing for immediate and effective measures to curb this alarming trend.

One of the key strategies being considered to curb speeding and improve road safety is the expansion of static speed camera locations. These cameras, strategically placed at high-risk areas, have been shown to deter speeding and reduce accidents. The RSA is advocating for an increase in the number of these cameras, particularly in regions with a high incidence of road traffic collisions. By enhancing surveillance and enforcement, the RSA aims to create a safer driving environment and reduce the likelihood of fatal accidents.

The new static speed safety cameras will be operational by the end of 2024 at the following locations:

1. Galway: N59, between Moycullen and Galway City
2. Waterford: N25, between Glenmore and Luffany
3. Wicklow: R772, Arklow Road, Aske, north of Gorey
4. Donegal: N14, east of Letterkenny
5. Carlow: N80, between Barristown and Levitstown
6. Dublin: Crumlin Road/Parnell Road/Dolphin Road/Dolphin’s Barn Junction
7. Mayo: N17, northeast of Claremorris
8. Cork: N22, east of Lissarda and west of Ovens
9. Limerick: N69, east of Askeaton

These locations were selected based on data from fatal and serious injury collisions, as well as speed data and feedback from stakeholders. The aim is to reduce speeding and improve road safety in these high-risk areas. The RSA believes that by targeting these specific locations, they can significantly impact driver behaviour and reduce the number of accidents.

In addition to expanding speed camera coverage, the RSA is proposing a new initiative that offers drivers caught speeding a choice between traditional penalties and educational courses. Under this plan, drivers would have the option to either accept a fine and penalty points on their licence or attend a speed awareness course. The course is designed to educate drivers on the dangers of speeding and promote safer driving habits.

Supporters of this initiative argue that education can be more effective than punitive measures in changing long-term driver behaviour. By understanding the consequences of speeding, drivers may be more likely to adhere to speed limits and drive responsibly. The RSA believes that this dual approach—combining enforcement with education—could significantly reduce speeding incidents and, consequently, road fatalities.

The speed awareness course would cover various aspects of road safety, including the physics of speed, the impact of collisions, and the emotional and financial consequences of accidents. Participants would also hear from victims of road accidents and their families, providing a powerful reminder of the real-life implications of dangerous driving.

Public reaction to the proposal has been mixed. Some drivers welcome the opportunity to avoid penalty points and learn more about road safety, while others are sceptical about the effectiveness of the course. Critics argue that the option to attend a course might be seen as a way to escape punishment, potentially undermining the deterrent effect of fines and penalty points.

The RSA is currently working on the details of the programme, including the curriculum and the logistics of implementation. If successful, this initiative could be rolled out nationwide, providing a consistent approach to handling speeding offences. The success of these initiatives will depend on their implementation and the willingness of drivers to embrace safer driving practices.

The RSA’s proposal is part of a broader effort to achieve the goals set out in Ireland’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030. This strategy aims to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, with the ultimate goal of achieving zero road deaths by 2050. The strategy includes a range of measures, from infrastructure improvements to public awareness campaigns, all designed to create a safer road environment for all users.

The new laws will significantly enhance the capabilities of An Garda Síochána (the Irish police force) in monitoring drivers on the road. One of the key changes is the requirement for motorists to provide their driver’s licence number when seeking motor insurance policies. This applies not only to the primary driver but also to any additional named drivers on the policy.

This measure aims to crack down on uninsured driving, a persistent issue on Irish roads. By having access to the Irish Motor Insurance Database via their Garda Mobility Devices, officers will be better equipped to detect and penalise those driving without insurance.

Drivers who fail to comply with these new regulations risk having their licences taken away. This is part of a broader effort to ensure that all drivers on the road are properly insured and adhering to the law. The inclusion of driver numbers in the insurance process is seen as a critical step in this direction.

Transport Minister Jack Chambers has confirmed that the government is committed to stopping the practice of drivers continuously renewing their learner licences without passing the driving test. This new road safety initiative aims to ensure that only qualified drivers are on the road, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall road safety.

The new laws will also affect learner and novice drivers, who will face stricter penalties if they accumulate seven or more penalty points on their licence. This threshold is lower than the 12 points required for fully licensed drivers, reflecting the government’s focus on ensuring that new drivers develop safe driving habits from the outset.

Learner drivers who repeatedly fail their driving tests will be banned from the roads, preventing them from continuously renewing their learner permits without demonstrating the necessary driving competence.

Another significant change is the introduction of roadside licence checks by Gardaí. Under the new laws, officers will be able to check a driver’s licence number at the roadside, ensuring that all drivers are properly licensed and insured. This measure is expected to improve compliance and reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road.

The new laws are part of a broader effort to enhance road safety in Ireland. By ensuring that all drivers are properly licensed and insured, the government hopes to reduce the number of accidents and improve overall road safety. These changes are expected to come into effect within the next three years, giving drivers time to adjust to the new requirements.