Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 March 2026
64. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any road safety initiatives or campaigns targeted specifically at people that drive for work; if he is concerned regarding the number of crashes and fatalities on Irish roads involving this cohort of people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17773/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the RSA that provisional data it has compiled for 2018-2024 indicates that 28% of fatal collisions and 19% of serious injury collisions involved at least one driver who was driving for work during that period. In the fatal collisions, there were 293 fatalities, of which 41 (14%) were drivers who were driving for work. This is clearly an area of road safety that we must take seriously if we are to achieve our road safety targets.
The actions included in the Phase 2 Action Plan of the current ten-year Government Road Safety Strategy are defined across seven priority intervention areas, including 'Safe work-related road use'. Activities under this pillar involve the planned, systematic safety management of work journeys on the roads, aiming to reduce the risk of death and serious injuries. Primary Action 11 within the Action Plan aims to implement a multi-agency intervention programme on safe work related road use, including education, evidence, engagement, and enforcement activities.
In addition, under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the promotion of road safety, including awareness campaigns and education. The Deputy may wish to note that the RSA will again ringfence €18m for investment in road safety public interest work in 2026, maintaining the significant 2025 level of investment in this important area.
In that regard, I am informed by the RSA that it has developed a new radio campaign targeting professional drivers. This new campaign will include reminders to plan rest stops as part of a journey, as self-reporting by drivers has shown that driver fatigue is an issue for this cohort. The campaign is due to air later this year. The RSA also developed a radio-led campaign last November which aired in December and January. This was supported by digital and out of home content. This campaign focused on highlighting the increased risk of a collision or injury when using the roads between 4-8pm when there is an increase in interactions between road users. The campaign was targeted at all road users including those who drive for work.
In terms of education, the RSA host driving for work seminars each year. In November 2025, the RSA, along with the Health and Safety Authority and An Garda Síochána, hosted a Driving for Work seminar targeting employers that have Heavy Commercial Vehicles. The next seminar will take place on Wednesday 20 May and will target employers whose fleet include Light Commercial Vehicles.
The RSA also provide a specific website for the driving for work cohort of road users which is available at the following link: www.drivingforwork.ie . This website provides resources to assist in developing and implementing a Driving for Work policy, shares case studies from businesses that are leading the way in this area, along with other guidance documents. Recordings of previous events and the presentations are also available to view on that website.
