Q102 & IBI Road Safety Campaign Episode 1

This Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) initiative is supported by the News Reporting Scheme, which helps fund public interest journalism content through Coimisiún na Meán and the Exchequer

Key road safety initiatives, legislative updates, and local infrastructure challenges across Dublin were the focus for episode 1 of Q102’s Road Safety Campaign. The station is one of 21 across the country taking part in the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) Road Safety Campaign.

David Martin from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) discussed Irish Road Safety Week, highlighting how the campaign raises awareness and encourages safer driving habits nationwide.

Addressing the rising fatality figures, David highlighted that 141 people had lost their lives on Irish roads year-to-date at the time of broadcast – a 13-death increase compared to the same period in the previous year. He noted that while Ireland had successfully halved road deaths from 365 in 2006 (when the RSA was established) over a 15-year period, fatalities have been creeping back up.

David explained that Post-COVID behavioural shifts have contributed to this trend: " We’re seeing more reckless behavior on the roads... there’s more aggression, there’s more speeding going on, and a lot of distracted driving... people are using their mobile phones, they’re sending text messages, they’re looking at their social media feeds ."

He added that testing by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety at UCD indicates an increase in drug driving, which, combined with a growing population and more vehicles on the road, is compounding the issue.

During episode 1, the key focus areas for the week were outlined including:

Q102’s Louise Phelan D’Cruz reported on driving test delays based on figures compiled by the road safety group PARK. The report revealed that Tallaght currently has the longest driving test wait time in the country at 22 weeks. Nationally, only 14 out of 57 test centres are meeting the agreed 10-week service target.

PARK spokesperson Susan Gray highlighted the real-world impact of these delays: " The waiting times that they have on their website is only the average waiting time to get a letter from the RSA to say they can now apply for the test... a centre that has 22 weeks waiting time, you can add 3 to 5 weeks onto that for that learner to actually get a date... you can say that’s about 26 weeks ."

Susan expressed frustration over the lack of progress despite the minister providing funding for 70 additional testers to bring the workforce up to 200 permanent testers. She criticised the RSA’s explanation of rising demand, stating that similar targets were achieved the previous September when the Minister insisted on overtime and weekend testing. Susan Gray also called for the Minister to intervene once again, particularly with upcoming regulatory changes regarding multiple learner permit holders expected to add further pressure on the system.

Dublin TD Grace Boland discussed the National Vehicle and Driver File Bill with Louise Phelan D’Cruz. The bill digitizes motor tax discs and enhances road safety through real-time data sharing between An Garda Síochána and local authorities.

Deputy Boland detailed the significance of the judicial changes: " At the moment, if a jury finds that the threshold - which is a very high threshold for dangerous driving - isn’t met, they can’t actually return a verdict of careless driving... A jury will be able to return a careless driving verdict where the dangerous driving threshold hasn’t been met... It’ll close an important gap in the system ."

The Dublin Fingal West TD also discussed broader traffic enforcement strategies, including the national camera strategy (such as average speed cameras in the Dublin Port Tunnel) and potential future uses of bus-mounted cameras to detect bus lane and dangerous driving infringements.

Reporter Laura Kelly spoke to Jason Cullen, Chair of the Dublin Commuter Coalition, regarding cycling safety and infrastructure expansion under the Greater Dublin Area Cycle Network Plan.

Jason highlighted that cycling is fundamentally safe, but challenges arise when cyclists interact with faster motor traffic. He supported expanding connected cycle networks, including Ireland’s first middle-of-the-road cycle lane on Amiens Street and the Coastal Mobility Route, noting that continuous infrastructure enables more commuters to choose active travel over cars or unreliable public transport.

Addressing safety responsibilities and road sharing, Mr. Cullen stated: " It is a legal requirement for people to have their lights on... at night time... If you feel uncomfortable on the road, it’s a narrow road, you can go into the middle of the lane, take the space until you get to a wider section... Protecting your own safety is vital. "

Regarding driver-cyclist interactions, Jason Cullen urged motorists to exercise patience: " You overtaking a cyclist might save you two seconds, but it could put their life at risk... It’s important that we just respect each other on the road and make sure everybody gets where they’re going safely. "

According to official collision data published by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána: