Dublin students take part in AXA’s Roadsafe Roadshow amid rising road deaths

Over 1,800 Dublin students take part in AXA’s Roadsafe Roadshow amid rising road deaths 

Over 1,800 Transition Year (TY) students from across County Dublin participated in the 19th annual AXA Roadsafe Roadshow at The Helix this week. The initiative aims to promote road safety among young adults, a group that is disproportionately at risk. Research shows that drivers under 24 are 85% more likely to be involved in a road accident than those over 25.
 
According to An Garda Síochána, in 2024, 7 people lost their lives on Dublin Fingal roads, with a further 58 people sustaining serious injuries. Nationwide, so far this year, 
150 people have lost their lives on our roads, six more than the same period in 2024, highlighting the devastating impact road accidents continue to have on families and communities. Additionally, over 18,000 individuals have been issued fines for mobile phone use while driving.

Speaking at the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow in Dublin, Mick Comerford, Retail Direct Director, AXA said: “For young Dublin drivers, getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time and learning to drive is an exciting milestone in their lives. However, with that additional independence comes responsibility to drive safely for yourself and for all road users. Our data shows that young drivers are significantly more likely to be involved in road accidents than older drivers. The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow aims to provide young people on the verge of learning to drive with an honest and unfiltered account of how dangerous driving can destroy lives.”
 
Organised in partnership with Fingal County Council, An Garda Síochána, and local emergency services, the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow aims to provide a raw, real-life depiction of the risks on our roads.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary said “I cannot highlight enough the importance of events like the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow in partnership with Fingal County Council. Statistics have shown us that in Fingal alone, 7 people lost their lives and 58 were seriously injured in 2024. We need to do everything we can to continue to educate our future drivers about the responsibility they have to themselves and others when they are on the roads".

Now in its 19th year, the AXA Roadsafe Roadshow continues to engage and educate young drivers, encouraging them to reflect on the importance of road safety and the serious impact that behaviours such as speeding, substance use, and distraction can have on themselves and others.
 
Larry Bergin, Road Safety Officer at Fingal County Council said ‘’We’re strong advocates for walking and cycling. It’s not only better for our young people’s health, but also for the environment. However, as many begin to consider driving, it’s crucial they understand the responsibility that comes with it. Events like this are a great way to engage young drivers and highlight the importance of sharing the road safely, especially with pedestrians and cyclists who are most at risk. Road safety is about staying alert and protecting one another. With the festive season approaching, busier roads, darker evenings, and poor weather conditions mean extra care is needed from all road users.’’
 
The AXA Roadsafe Roadshow has visited locations where over 11,000 TY Students have attended. For more information, visit www.axa.ie.