The number of road traffic deaths in Clare have dropped dramatically by 83% over a seven-year period, according to a new report.
Roads deaths in Clare have been falling steadily since 12 people lost their lives in 2007.
However, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) report also reveals 23 drivers, three motorcyclists, two cyclists and eight pedestrians have been killed on roads in the county since 2007.
In 2013, Clare also ranked in top five safest counties with the fewest number of fatalities. The report, “2007 to 2013 road traffic deaths by user type and county”, highlights the reductions in road fatalities in Clare between 2007 and 2013. It shows there were seven road deaths in 2008 and 2009, four in 2010 and two in 2012 and 2013.
Moyagh Murdock, chief executive of the Road Safety Authority said the reduction in the number of road deaths in Clare shows just what can be achieved when communities come together.
“Change happens at local level, and in every community, town and county in Ireland, we must all collectively accept greater responsibility for our own safety by becoming custodians and champions for safety on the road. We can all make a huge difference when we make road safety a priority and work together to effect real change. All it takes to make a difference is for one person to say, ‘I’m going to change my behaviour on the roads so that I can keep myself and others safe when we’re sharing the road together’,” she said.
Urging motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians to prioritise road safety, he thanked the Gardaí, emergency services, road users and local authorities for playing their role in reducing the death toll in the Banner county.
Clare showed one of the lowest road deaths last year, with two fatalities in the county, both of whom were car users compared with 12 road deaths in 2007. Nationally, in the period 2007 to 2013, there was a 44% reduction in road fatalities.
Clare and Louth recorded the biggest decrease in road deaths. Kildare and Monaghan are the only counties where fatalities increased between 2007 and 2013.
Reductions in deaths were observed in all user categories, with the highest reduction in pedal cycle (67%), goods vehicle (66%) and pedestrian (62%) casualties.
Last year saw the first year-on-year increase in the number of road deaths in Ireland for the first time since 2005 when 190 people lost their lives compared to 162 in 2012, representing a 17% rise.
Dan Danaher
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.