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It’s well known that pedestrians are one of the most vulnerable road users. Tragically, 164 pedestrians lost their lives on Irish roads between 2019 and 2023, while 1,426 were seriously injured. This equates to 22% of all road fatalities and 20% of serious injuries in this time period.¹

As of 27th June there were 19 pedestrian fatalities on Irish roads in 2025.

Every one of these accidents is one too many. As personal injury solicitors, we see first-hand the devastating impact accidents have on the lives of those involved and their families. And yet, so many pedestrian accidents claims can be prevented when simple road safety practices are followed.

According to the Roads Act 1993 all road users have a duty of care:

1) To take reasonable care for their own safety and for that of any other person using the public road.

2) It shall be the duty of a person using a public road to take all reasonable measures to avoid:

(a) injury to themselves or to any other person using the public road

(b) damage to property owned or used by them or by any other person using the public road.

Here are some simple tips to help pedestrians stay safe on the roads.

Cross the road at a safe spot and obey traffic lights

If you need to cross a road and there are pedestrian lights nearby, use them. And always check for oncoming traffic even if the pedestrian light is green, just in case a vehicle breaks the red lights.

Use pedestrian crossing, underpasses, or footbridges if they are available. Avoid crossing at corners, bends, near parked cars, or anywhere that oncoming drivers may not be able to see you. And it may sound obvious, but always look both ways and keep checking when you are crossing. Make sure that drivers can see you before you step out into the road – making eye contact can help this. If in doubt, don’t risk a crossing you aren’t sure of.

Use a footpath if there is one

If there is no footpath, walk on the side of the road that faces the oncoming traffic, and stay as close as possible to the right-hand side of the road.

Walk in single file where necessary

If you are walking on a narrow road with no path, walk in single file where possible and take extra care when walking near blind bends on roads with no path.

Wear high visibility clothing when visibility is low

If you are out walking near traffic when the light is fading, or it is dark, it is vital that you can be seen by other road users. This includes walking at dusk, or anytime visibility is low. Wearing something highly visible or reflective can make a big difference in whether a driver sees you or not, especially if the road has no footpath. If you are walking at night, consider carrying a flashlight or headlamp for extra visibility.

If you can, try to stay on well-lit streets and paths and be extra vigilant of what is going on around you if there is poor visibility.

Be aware of other road users, including cyclists

If you are walking in a shared cycle path, ensure you stick to the pedestrian section and try not to accidentally veer into the cycle path. Check over your shoulder before you cross a cycle path to make sure there are no cyclists or e-scooter riders approaching, as they may be travelling at speed.

Be extra careful around buses and trams:

If you are crossing the road after getting off a bus or tram, make sure you can see both ways clearly and never cross in front of a stopped bus. Be careful when getting off public transport that there are no bikes or other vehicles approaching.

Stay alert

An Garda Siochana cites mobile phones as the number one distraction to drivers on Irish roads. But pedestrians are also increasingly using mobile phones while walking, which can lead to accidents.

International research from Science Direct showed distracted pedestrians, such as those using mobile phones, were less aware of surrounding traffic environments and less attentive of traffic before and during crossings.

Wearing headphones can also make it difficult to hear approaching vehicles, so if you are in an area where you need to be extra alert, consider removing them.

Pedestrian safety for children

Research from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) shows that children only develop the ability to safely interact with traffic when they are about 12 years old. Before that age, they may not be able to properly judge the speed of an oncoming vehicle.

This is why it is so important to ensure children are taught to use pedestrian crossings, obey signals and stay alert when they are walking near roads. Where possible, they should be closely supervised and wear bright or reflective clothing so they can be seen by motorists.

The RSA website also advice and resources for to help children travel to and from school safely.

 

¹ Source: Pedestrian Spotlight Report: Fatalities and Serious Injuries 2019-2023