95 Road Deaths Recorded as Gardaí Launch Bank Holiday Safety Blitz

Road safety authorities have revealed that 95 people have died on Irish roads so far this year, with an alarming increase in fatalities among vulnerable road users including cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists, prompting a major enforcement operation over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) published its mid-year report today, analysing 91 fatalities that occurred on public roads between 1 January and 27 July. The data reveals that deaths among people aged 46-65 have reached their highest level in six years, while there has been a welcome reduction in fatalities among younger road users.

Of the 95 people who have lost their lives this year, 35 were drivers, 22 pedestrians, 17 motorcyclists, eight cyclists, eight passengers and one e-scooter rider. The increase in deaths among vulnerable road users has sparked particular concern among safety officials.

The report uncovered several concerning patterns: 27% of fatalities occurred during the afternoon period between noon and 4pm, while 26% happened during night-time hours between 8pm and 4am when traffic volumes are typically lower. The weekend period from Friday through Monday saw the greatest concentration of deaths, with over half (56%) of all fatalities occurring on roads with speed limits of 80km/h and 100km/h.

Speaking at a road safety briefing on the N17 in Claremorris, Co. Mayo this morning, Minister of State Séan Canney:

"As we head into a Bank Holiday weekend, when many of us may be looking forward to travelling and spending time with loved ones, I urge everyone to be mindful of their own safety and that of others. Simple measures like putting your phone away, slowing down, and paying attention to the road, could make the difference that prevents a tragedy."

An Garda Síochána announced a significant enforcement operation running from today through to Wednesday, with additional checkpoints focusing on speeding, mobile phone use and seatbelt compliance.

Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon:

"This is one of the busiest weekends on the roads. Not just for motorists, but at this time of year, it's one of the busiest weekends for cyclists and pedestrians. We ask everybody to be very conscious of our vulnerable road users, our cyclists and our pedestrians. We're asking people to slow down, we're asking people to just plan their journey ahead. Some will have long journeys this weekend, so take your time and take your breaks. Don't be using mobile phones or anything that might distract you while driving. We really do not want to be visiting another family with terrible news this weekend."

The Chief Superintendent confirmed that Gardaí would be "out in force" with extra checkpoints and "considerable more enforcement" throughout the extended weekend period.

Sarah O'Connor, RSA Director of Partnerships and External Affairs:

"We're here today in Mayo to launch our August Bank Holiday road safety campaign — a county that, heartbreakingly, is among the hardest hit by road deaths so far this year. Each life lost on our roads is someone's son, daughter, friend, or neighbour — and here in Mayo, those losses are deeply felt."

O'Connor noted that while there has been a welcome fall in overall fatalities, the increase in deaths among motorcyclists, cyclists and passengers shows that vigilance is crucial. She urged all road users to take basic precautions: slow down, wear seatbelts, keep phones out of reach and never drive under the influence.

The appeal comes as thousands of people prepare to travel for the bank holiday weekend, with many attending matches, festivals and family gatherings across the country. Road safety officials are particularly concerned about the combination of increased traffic volumes and the presence of more vulnerable road users during the summer period.

The full RSA mid-year report is available on their website, providing detailed analysis of road traffic fatalities for the first half of 2025.