Ireland faces a pressing need to improve road safety. Despite ongoing efforts, road deaths remain stubbornly high, especially when compared to countries with similar populations and demographics. With this in mind, a comprehensive road safety policy is essential to protect lives, enhance driving conditions, and foster a culture of responsibility on the roads.
As of the most recent data in 2024, 127 deaths have already been recorded, highlighting an alarming trend that demands urgent action. Despite ongoing road safety initiatives, this number indicates a troubling consistency in fatalities, underscoring the need for comprehensive reforms. When we look to European neighbours like Norway and Finland—each with similar demographics but much lower road death rates—it’s clear that we have room for significant improvement. Norway, for example, reported 93 road deaths last year, while Finland had 174, both countries having taken decisive action on road safety reforms.
The time to act is now, and this roadmap could potentially go some way to addressing these issues full-on.
Protecting New Drivers: Engine Size Restrictions
New drivers face an increased risk of accidents, and high-powered vehicles only exacerbate this risk. Under the proposed policy, new drivers would face engine size restrictions for the first five years, with gradual allowances based on a clean driving record. This measure has shown promise in countries like Norway, where stricter regulations on young drivers have correlated with fewer road accidents.
By limiting engine sizes, we can help new drivers develop safer habits and avoid the temptations of excessive speed or risky manoeuvres.
Vehicle Renewal Scheme: Phasing Out Older Cars
Older cars contribute to road fatalities due to outdated safety features and lower crashworthiness. By replacing all vehicles over 15 years old with cars less than five years old. A 20% government grant, supplemented by a 10% motor industry subsidy, will reduce the cost for car owners, making safer vehicles more accessible.
Mandatory Black Box Installation: Enhanced Driver Accountability
A black box requirement for all new cars could be one of the most impactful reforms. These devices track all driving behaviour, providing data that could revolutionize road safety analysis. The information collected would be managed by a new government department dedicated to road safety, ensuring that the data is used responsibly and transparently.
Insurance Reform: Rewarding Safer Roads with Lower Premiums
Insurance companies must support road safety improvements by passing cost savings onto drivers. In countries like Norway, insurance reforms have incentivized safer driving by lowering premiums in response to reduced accident rates. This policy would legally bind insurers to reduce premiums as road safety improves, ensuring that drivers benefit directly from enhanced safety measures.
Revamping Road Tax: A Sustainable, Environmentally Conscious Model
Ireland can draw from the German model of road tax, which bases fees on vehicle emissions and engine size. This would replace our current tax system with one that promotes environmentally friendly vehicles and penalizes higher-emission models. By adopting this system, we can encourage drivers to consider more sustainable vehicle options, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier population.
Speed Limit and Road Condition Reviews: Ensuring Roads Are Fit for Purpose
Speed limits and road conditions must align to ensure driver safety. A nationwide review of speed limits, alongside rigorous road condition assessments, would ensure that Ireland’s roads are appropriately maintained and regulated. By regularly reviewing and repairing road infrastructure, Ireland can drastically reduce accident rates and improve driving conditions.
Countries throughout the EU like Finland, Norway & others regularly update speed limits and conduct thorough road assessments, resulting in safer roads and fewer accidents. Ireland must prioritize these assessments to ensure that our roads meet safety standards.
Cyclist and E-Scooter Regulations: Accountability for All Road Users
The increasing presence of cyclists and e-scooter users on Ireland’s roads calls for new regulations. This policy would make insurance mandatory for cyclists and e-scooter users, alongside compulsory safety equipment such as helmets and reflective gear. By holding all road users accountable, Ireland can foster a culture of safety and responsibility.
Costing the Reforms: Making Safety Affordable
Implementing these reforms would require significant investment. However, by structuring funding around a mix of government grants, motor industry subsidies, and revised insurance premiums, oh & maybe some of that €14 billion from Apple, the aim is to make these changes as cost-effective as possible. Accurate cost assessments based on current government accounts will ensure that funds are allocated efficiently and the reforms are financially sustainable.
Conclusion
We need to look to other countries worldwide and to our neighbouring European countries for inspiration, it’s clear that Ireland must take decisive action to reduce road fatalities. By adopting a holistic road safety policy that includes new driver restrictions, a vehicle renewal scheme, mandatory black boxes, insurance reform, updated road tax, and regulations for all road users, we can create a safer environment for everyone.
The urgency is clear: The government must act now to protect its citizens on the road. By implementing these comprehensive reforms, we can save lives, improve road safety, and ensure a sustainable future for our transportation network.
