Almost a fifth of Irish motorists feel unsafe on the roads, according to a survey for motoring group AA Ireland.
With eight killed including a group of youths and a pensioner in the state’s worst collision in Co Donegal this month, road safety is subject to renewed focus.
However, the report also said fewer people were drinking and driving and there had been improvements in the death rate.
AA director of policy Conor Faugnhan said: “Irish road safety has been something of a success story in recent years.
“Fatalities are down by 42 per cent in the last decade. However we still have a long way to go to make our roads the safe environments that they should be and this is evident in the findings of the AA poll.”
This month’s research, which quizzed 6,700 motorists, also said 36 per cent of people had driven after more than two drinks in the past but only 4 per cent had done so in the last year.
Last month the AA welcomed the passing of the 2010 Road Traffic Bill which heralds the reduction of Ireland’s drink drive limit from 80mgs to 50mgs, along with a lower 20mg limit for learner drivers and professional drivers.
An AA Motorists’ panel poll last October showed 65 per cent of Irish motorists supported the proposed reduction.
Mr Faugnhan added: “Most people feel very strongly that it (drink driving) is a disgraceful behaviour that should be severely punished.”
PA