RSA Issues Urgent Back-to-School Road Safety Appeal as Report Reveals 39 Child Deaths in Five Years
Cork schools urged to prioritise safety as 39 children died on Irish roads 2020-2024, with county recording 9% of casualties.
As children across Cork and Ireland return to school this week, the Road Safety Authority has published sobering statistics showing 39 children died and 584 were seriously injured on Irish roads between 2020 and 2024, with Cork recording 9% of all child casualties nationally.
The RSA's Child Casualties Report, released today, reveals that almost half of the 623 children killed or seriously injured were pedestrians, whilst a quarter were passengers and nearly one fifth were cyclists. The majority of incidents, 71%, occurred on urban roads with speed limits of 60km/h or less.
The timing couldn't be more pertinent for Cork families, as one in seven child casualties occurred whilst travelling to or from school. Dublin recorded the highest share at 31%, followed by Cork at 9%, highlighting the particular risks in the county's urban areas as traffic volumes surge with the new school term.
Friday emerged as the most dangerous day of the week, accounting for 19% of child casualties. Older children aged 10 to 15 years faced particularly heightened risks, representing two-thirds of serious injuries and almost seven in ten fatalities.
Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA:
"The return to school is always a busy time on our roads. Children, particularly those walking or cycling, are among the most vulnerable road users. Our latest report is a stark reminder of the devastating impact road traffic collisions can have on young lives and their families. We are asking every parent to talk to their children about safe road behaviour, every school to prioritise safety at the school gate, and every driver to slow down, stay alert, and give children the space and protection they deserve."
The report comes as pedestrian deaths have accounted for one in five of all road fatalities in Ireland so far this year, adding urgency to the safety message.
Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, An Garda Síochána Roads Policing and Community Engagement:
"As children return to schools this September, we must all be aware that the levels of traffic on our roads are set to increase. So far this year, pedestrians have made up one in five of all deaths on Irish roads. We ask all drivers, especially those driving in school areas, to always keep your eyes open for young children, to slow down and stay alert. By simply reducing your speed while driving near schools and watching out for other cars stopping to let children out, the chances of a collision occurring greatly decrease. Together, we can all do our part to help save lives."
The RSA is reminding motorists to maintain safe passing distances when overtaking cyclists: at least one metre in zones up to 50km/h and 1.5 metres in zones above 50km/h. Parents are also warned against allowing children to travel in vehicles without proper restraints.
With Cork schools experiencing their busiest week of the year for traffic, the RSA has made practical safety guidelines available at RSA.ie, offering advice for parents and teachers on improving safety around school gates.
The report underscores that whilst the overall numbers represent a 5% share of all road fatalities and 8% of serious injuries, each statistic represents a devastating loss for families and communities across Cork and Ireland.
