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Car accidents on Ireland’s roads have tripled during the latest strict coronavirus restrictions compared to the first lockdown in the spring, according to an analysis by AA Ireland.
The auto organization said traffic volumes were also twice the level they were during the first “stay at home” shutdown in March.
During the first two weeks of the government’s latest Level 5 restrictions, traffic on major routes across the country dropped to 60-65 percent of what it would be on a typical weekday in October, according to the analysis.
This compares with traffic levels as low as 35 percent of normal volumes during the first shutdown in March.
Six week phase
AA Ireland attributed the increase to schools that remained open as more industries, such as construction sites, were allowed to continue operating during the current six-week restrictions.
In addition, it was found that crashes reported by the automobile organization tripled from 11 during the initial two weeks of the first lockdown to 37 during the last fortnight.
Figures are based on AA Ireland’s own reports of traffic disruptions as a result of collisions.
‘Cause for concern’
Conor Faughnan, a spokesman for the organization, described the “significant” increase in crashes and other traffic incidents as “a cause for concern.”
“Late October and the winter period is traditionally a dangerous period on our roads, but despite lower volumes during traditional travel periods, incidents continue to occur at a worrying rate,” he said.
“For the year to date, 126 people have died on Irish roads, an increase of 10 from last year, even though we saw significant travel restrictions between March and July this year.
“Now that we are also dealing with reduced daylight and poor weather conditions, those who must travel must adapt their driving accordingly to avoid a further increase in incidents, crashes or fatalities.”
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