MORE people have been killed on roads in Ireland during 2020 than were killed at this point in 2019.
This in spite of Covid-19 lockdown leading to significantly reduced traffic for the majority of the year.
Statistics show that 118 people have died on Irish roads this year, compared to 111 in late-October last year.
Travel restrictions due to the coronavirus crisis have meant that for most of the last seven months, people have been asked to stay at home and only travel if it is for an essential reason.
Despite this, death figures have risen.
The AA's director of consumer affairs, Conor Faughnan, noted the peculiar statistics: "Road deaths actually went up during the last lockdown, which was a major shock to those working in road safety.
"As we move into winter, a traditionally dangerous time on our roads, we must all do our part to ensure that this does not happen again," he stressed.
"One of the main issues our AA Rescue patrols get called out to in the winter months is cars not starting due to battery issues that are worsened by the shift towards colder weather.
"This year, however, many people are also likely to be using their cars less as they work from home or opt to walk or cycle to school with their children.
"Whether it's a case of your car refusing to start or a breakdown on an essential journey, you don't want to be caught unprepared in dark, wet or cold conditions so it’s important to have a plan in place about who you can contact for assistance."
