Appeal to road users in Louth ahead of June Bank Holiday weekend

Louth County Council and An Garda Siochána have appealed for road users to take extra care and slow down when using the roads this June Bank Holiday Weekend. 

Provisional collision figures for 2023 show what Louth County Council describes as "a worrying increase" in the number of road deaths compared to the same period in 2021 and 2022. Three road users have lost their lives in Co Louth to date in 2023, a motorist, a pedestrian, and a motorcyclist.

As of 26th May 2023, there have been 72 deaths in Ireland, compared to 63 over the same period in 2022, and 53 deaths in the same period in 2021. 

Speeding remains the biggest contributory factor in road deaths in Ireland with males continuing to account for most fatalities and speeding offences.  The National Drugs National Drug Related Deaths Index report covering the period 2013-2017 found that 90% of fatalities and 74% of drivers detected speeding, were men.

Speeding poses a serious risk to motorists, especially vulnerable pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. A Road Safety Authority report on fatal collisions between 2008 and 2012 found that excessive speed was a contributory factor in almost one third of all fatal collisions during that period. 

Sgt Declan Higgins from Louth Roads Policing Unit has expressed concern regarding the number of motorcyclists who have lost their lives in the county in recent times.

“Motorcycles represent less than 2% of motor vehicles in Ireland, however from January 2022 to date, they have accounted for almost half of all road deaths in County Louth, i.e., five of the eleven people killed during the 17-month period.

"As we approach summer, it is the time of the year when drivers should expect to encounter more motorcyclists. In the event of a crash occurring, motorcyclists have less protection and so are much more vulnerable. It is critical that drivers look out for motorcyclists especially at junctions, when turning onto a main road or when changing lanes.”

“I would also ask Motorcyclists to ‘ease off the throttle’ as speeding is a factor in half of motorcyclist deaths nationally. An Garda Síochána will continue to focus on the four ‘Lifesaver’ offences of speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, non-seatbelt wearing and using a mobile phone while driving, over the Bank Holiday Weekend” added Sergeant Higgins.  

Adrian O’Sullivan, Road Safety Officer with Louth County Council is appealing to all road users to examine how they behave on the road and to “take greater responsibility and practice good road safety habits. Slow down, drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions and remember a speed limit is not a target" said the Road Safety Officer.