TEN people died as a result of road traffic accidents in Limerick last year as the number of road deaths in Ireland increased by 13 per cent, according to provisional figures from the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
Limerick had the third highest number of road fatalities, with only Dublin and Cork, with 13 deaths, recording higher numbers.
A total of 155 people died in 149 fatal road collisions last year, compared to 137 deaths in 124 collisions in 2021.
The data also shows that the number of pedestrians killed in 2022 almost doubled to 41, compared to 2021.
Despite a decrease in the number of drivers killed, they still accounted for the highest proportion of fatalities at 39 per cent.
There were 22 passenger fatalities, and seven cyclists were killed.
Provisional figures indicate 1,292 serious injuries were recorded up to December 29, compared to 1,342 up to the same period in 2021.
Minister of State for Transport Jack Chambers said he was very concerned that so many lives have been lost on the roads in 2022.
“The high number of pedestrian deaths, who are the most vulnerable of road users in our community, is also worrying.
“Working together, we can reverse this trend in 2023 and I look forward to the enactment of the new Road Traffic and Roads Bill which will allow for the direct linking of vehicle and driver records held on the National Vehicle and Driver File.
“This will assist An Garda Siochana in their road traffic enforcement activities and will also allow for the regulation of e-scooters on public roads,” Minister Chambers explained.
