Preventing road collisions before they happen is becoming an increasingly important priority for employers, fleet operators and public authorities. As Ireland works towards its 2030 road safety targets, international advances in connected vehicle data, artificial intelligence and enforcement offer opportunities to strengthen risk management and protect lives on and off the job.

In Eolas Magazine, Conor O’Dwyer, Government and Public Sector Partner at EY Ireland, examines how approaches in Australia, the Netherlands and Germany could inform Ireland’s next phase of road safety development. The central message is that combining technology, effective enforcement and coordinated information-sharing can help organisations move beyond analysing collisions towards identifying risks earlier.

The case for action is clear. Road Safety Authority figures show that 185 people died on Irish public roads in 2025, an 8% increase on the 171 deaths recorded in 2024. Ireland’s Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030 aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries, making prevention a priority for agencies, employers and businesses whose people travel for work.

For health and safety professionals, this approach creates an opportunity to strengthen occupational road risk management. Employers can review driver training, journey planning, vehicle standards and fatigue management while using available telematics to identify patterns such as harsh braking, speeding or repeated exposure to high-risk routes. These measures can support targeted interventions, helping businesses address hazards before they contribute to a collision.

International examples demonstrate how technology can reinforce these efforts. In Queensland, camera systems help detect mobile phone and seatbelt offences, while human review supports decisions on potential infringements. Meanwhile, Australian initiatives are exploring how aggregated vehicle data and advanced analytics could help road authorities identify emerging risks. As O’Dwyer’s analysis highlights, effective implementation also requires clear accountability, privacy safeguards and appropriate controls over data sharing.

The benefits extend beyond individual fleets. Better coordination between transport authorities, police, health services and enforcement bodies could help direct investment towards higher-risk locations and improve the consistency of road safety interventions. For businesses, this reinforces the value of treating road safety as a core operational responsibility rather than an issue confined to drivers or transport departments.

For the sector, the lesson is direct: safer roads begin with earlier intervention. By combining strong safety culture, practical fleet controls and responsible use of technology, Irish organisations can help protect employees, reduce preventable risks and support the country’s ambition for safer journeys by 2030.

Source: Eolas Magazine / Road Safety Authority / Government of Ireland