The Republic of Ireland is planning significant changes to speed limits to improve road safety. Last month, the maximum speed on highways was officially reduced. The speed limit on local roads has been reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h. These roads comprise 76% of all roads in the country, and their total length is 86,000 km. Also, on 3,800 km of highways, the current limit will be reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h in the coming period. In addition, the default speed on urban roads will be reduced to 30 km/h.
Experiences of other countries in reducing speed limits
In 2018, France reduced the speed limit from 90 km/h to 80 km/h on a large part of the local road network outside populated areas, solely with the aim of reducing the number of road deaths.
Although these changes caused initial controversy, statistics have shown a decrease in the number of fatal traffic accidents. Wales has introduced similar measures, reducing speed limits to improve road safety.
Impact of speed reduction on traffic safety
Research shows that reducing the speed limit can lead to a reduction in the average driving speed. That then directly affects the reduction in the number of traffic accidents and the severity of their consequences. For example, increasing the average speed by 10% can result in an increase in the number of accidents by about 21%, while reducing the average speed by 1 km/h can lead to a decrease in the number of accidents by about 2%.
These statistics highlight the importance of speed adjustments to improve the safety of all road users.
If these changes produce significant results, Ireland will become a great example for other countries. Governments around the world will have to muster the strength to deal with the resistance to this decision in order to save lives in traffic.
