Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, a member of the EU Transport Committee,  has called for a get tough approach on two of the leading factors in road deaths in Ireland, non-wearing of seatbelts and use of mobile phones whilst driving. 

Astonishing figures provided by Gardaí show that almost 6,000 motorists were caught and fined in 2024 for not wearing a seat belt whilst driving. Ní Mhurchú has described the figures as truly shocking that some people continue to take unnecessary risks on our roads.

“On the 1^st of February, 1979, Ireland introduced legislation that made the wearing of seat belts mandatory for front seat passengers and drivers. 46 years later, and almost 6,000 Irish people are caught not wearing a seat belt. There is no excuse. I do not understand why someone would not buckle up” 

Garda Divisions with year on year increases in the number of  fixed charges issued by Gardaí for not wearing a seat belt

Garda figures show that more offenders are caught not wearing seat belts in the summer months. Ní Mhurchú has called for a commitment in the Programme for Government to “introduce new road safety cameras to automatically detect mobile phone use and non-wearing of seat belts” to be implemented immediately.

Fines and penalty points are dished out for adults who do not wear a seatbelt or allow children under 17 to travel whilst not properly restrained in the car.

Ní Mhurchú said it is vitally important that parents ensure that their children are properly strapped into the car with RSA research showing that 4 in 5 children are not strapped in properly. 

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