C103 and IBI Road Safety Campaign

This Independent Boradcasters 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

C103 is part of a major national road safety campaign in collaboration with Independent Broadcasters of Ireland (IBI) and 20 other independent radio stations across the country. The initiative consists of dedicated monthly features spanning six months to address every facet of road safety—from collision prevention and emergency response to the human cost of traffic accidents.

The broadcast highlights stark national statistics: More than 140 people had tragically lost their lives on Irish roads so far in 2026, marking a significant increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Given that more than 40% of radio listening occurs behind the wheel, the station emphasizes the shared responsibility all drivers hold.

In episode 1, host Patricia Messenger speaks with Ger O’Dea, Clinical Services Manager for Community First Response and Engagement with the National Ambulance Service, to discuss what happens during and after a serious crash.

Ger notes that emergency responders purposefully refer to these events as "crashes" rather than "accidents," as they are predominantly caused by carelessness, excessive speed, or distraction.

Ger gave a breakdown of what happens in the immediate aftermath of a crash:

Ger summed up the feelings of those dealing with such a scene: " Silence is scary... when you’re looking at somebody and they have a blank expression on their face, they’re silent... their colour is horrendous, like this is the person that we’re going to concentrate on ."

The impact on frontline workers persists long after an emergency call concludes. Teams conduct "hot debriefs" after critical incidents to process the event collectively. Reflecting on his 21 years of service, Ger said: "Driving out the Macroom Road... I can still pinpoint each and every fatality along the road from Ballincollig to Killarney nearly at this stage... It never actually does leave you, it’s just how you cope with it yourself."

He added that incidents involving children are particularly harrowing for crews who are parents themselves.

Ger highlighted emerging hazards behind the wheel, such as drivers watching video content or streaming services like Netflix on phone mounts or integrated dashboard systems while sitting in traffic or driving.

When asked what message he would leave with drivers, Ger said: " A vehicle is a lethal weapon. You’re sitting behind the wheel is the same as having your finger on the trigger of a gun... Don’t drink and drive, don’t drive when you’re extremely tired, watch your speed, put away the mobile phone ..."

During episode 1, Patricia also spoke with Tony Johnson, Board Member and Treasurer of the Irish Road Victims Association (IRVA). The organisation was founded by Donna Price following the loss of her son in a road crash to offer guidance, legal advice, and grief coaching to bereaved families.

Tony shares the devastating story of losing his 25-year-old son, Harry, on June 24, 2024. Harry had just been accepted into the Irish Navy as an engineer and was planning his future with his girlfriend of nine years. Tony had spoken to Harry on the phone just 30 minutes before the fatal collision.

Tony described the trauma experienced by his family while away in Spain when receiving the news, the agonizing delay before being allowed to see Harry due to post-mortem procedures, and placing his own wedding ring on his son’s finger in the coffin. Harry’s funeral took place on June 29 - his mother’s birthday: " The ripple effect literally goes... hundreds of people are affected at different levels, but it doesn’t leave you at all... The reality sinks in more and more over time. "

Tony stressed that momentary lapses in concentration, such as glancing at a text message can shatter lives indefinitely. He emphasised that beyond fatalities, thousands of individuals suffer life-altering injuries each year.

He also addressed systemic challenges, pointing out that while public attention focuses on road deaths, enforcement and forensic resources require urgent support. He noted that Ireland has a critical shortage of Forensic Collision Investigators (roughly 11 nationwide relative to an estimated need of 40 to 50) to properly investigate fatal and serious injury collisions.

Data published by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána, and the Department of Transport highlight the ongoing challenges on Irish roads:

High-Risk Demographics & Locations: RSA research indicates that young drivers (aged 16–25) represent the highest risk demographic, accounting for over 20% of fatalities. Additionally, over 70% of fatal collisions in Ireland occur on rural roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or higher.