24 children seriously injured or killed on Donegal roads in last five years, report reveals

The Road Safety Authority has issued an urgent appeal to Donegal parents, guardians, teachers and motorists to make road safety a top priority, as children return to school after the summer holidays.

The call comes as the RSA publishes its Child Casualties Report 2020–2024, which highlights the risks faced by young road users.

During this five-year period, 39 children aged up to 15 years lost their lives and a further 584 were seriously injured on Irish roads.

The report reveals how there were 24 children aged under-15 either seriously injured or killed on Donegal roads from 2020 to 2024.

Dublin had the most casualties with 192, while Cork was next on 55 during the period.

Of the 623 children killed or seriously injured, almost half (49 per cent) were pedestrians, a quarter (25 per cent) were passengers, and almost one fifth (18 per cent) were cyclists.

The majority of child casualties (71 per cent) were injured on urban roads with a speed limit of 60kph or less, while one in seven child casualties were injured while travelling to or from school.

With traffic volumes set to rise sharply as schools reopen, the RSA is reminding drivers to be aware of an increased number of vehicles and of their responsibility to be alert and cautious around children walking, cycling or getting on and off buses.

Furthermore, parents must not allow their children to travel in vehicles without being properly restrained, placing their lives and safety at risk.

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Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, said: “The return to school is always a busy time on our roads. Children, particularly those walking or cycling, are among the most vulnerable road users. Our latest report is a stark reminder of the devastating impact road traffic collisions can have on young lives and their families.”

“We are asking every parent to talk to their children about safe road behaviour, every school to prioritise safety at the school gate, and every driver to slow down, stay alert, and give children the space and protection they deserve.”