A total of 56 children have died on Irish roads since 2014  | #childsafety | #kids | #chldern | #parents | #schoolsafey

The figures represent 4% of all fatalities on Irish roads and 8% of serious injuries.

The study was published on National Child Safety Day as part of the Irish Road Safety Week.

The report also shows that of the 908 children who died or were seriously injured, 51% were pedestrians, while 28% were vehicle passengers and 18% were cyclists.

Motorcyclists made up 2% of the figures and 1% were drivers.

It comes as the total number of people who died on Irish roads this year has reached 139, an increase of 26 fatalities compared with the same date last year. RSA chief executive Sam Waide said: 

This report reveals concerning trends — children are among our most vulnerable road users, and they are less able to protect themselves from traffic hazards.

“They are at a high risk of being injured or killed on our roads. We are particularly concerned because we have also noted an increase in child fatalities in 2023.

“That is why we must all exercise extra caution and responsibility when driving near places where children are likely to be present, such as schools, playgrounds and residential streets.

“The report shows that children cycling or walking in urban areas are at particularly high risk and it is vital that motorists slow down, observe carefully and share the roads safely with children”.

He added that, while most incidents in which children were killed or seriously injured occurred on urban roads, “we must also note that rural roads involve risk, in particular for children as car passengers”.

 

“Reducing speed, driving without being under the influence of drink or drugs, avoiding driver distraction, and using front and rear seatbelts, and child car seats/restraints where required, are vital measures for the road safety of children in Ireland.

“We cannot afford to be complacent or careless when it comes to road safety. We all have a duty to make all our roads as safe as possible for everyone, especially for our children.”

Dublin and Cork had the highest number of child casualties, 30% occurring in Dublin and 10% in Cork.