38 children killed on roads in five-year period - RSA

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has revealed that 38 children under the age of 16 were killed on Irish roads over a five-year period from 2021 to 2025. This figure represents just under 10% of all children who suffered serious injuries in road crashes during the same time frame. The RSA reported that a total of 620 children experienced serious injuries during this period.

Out of the 658 children who were either killed or seriously injured, almost half were pedestrians, and over a quarter were passengers in vehicles. More than 30 children were e-scooter users, while a dozen were drivers. As children across the country prepare to return to school this week, the RSA is urging the public to take extra precautions on the roads.

Dublin and Cork were identified as the areas with the highest numbers of child casualties, accounting for nearly a third of child casualties and an additional 9% respectively. The likelihood of children being killed or seriously injured is higher on lower speed roads with speed limits of 60km/h or less. Seven out of ten child casualties occurred on such roads during the five-year period.

Data shows that boys were significantly more likely to be killed or injured in crashes compared to girls. Friday emerged as the most dangerous day on Irish roads for children. Of all child passenger casualties, 35% were injured in head-on collisions with other vehicles.

The RSA emphasizes that the return to school typically results in increased traffic and more children walking and cycling, making it crucial for drivers to exercise heightened vigilance.