The Pat Kenny Show

Motorways the safest and the most dangerous roads

Nov 5, 2025
Conor Faughnan, a transport consultant and host of the Life Driving podcast, delves into the paradox of motorway safety. He reveals that, despite their statistical safety, dangers lurk, especially in bad weather and on the hard shoulder, which he deems the most perilous area. Conor discusses the superior design of Irish motorways compared to European counterparts and highlights how high speeds can exacerbate crashes. He also critiques past policies that hindered road projects and emphasizes the need for sound engineering in ensuring safety.
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INSIGHT

Motorways Are Statistically Safer

  • Motorways are by far the safest roads per kilometre travelled due to superior engineering and construction.
  • They are statistically about four times safer than single carriageway roads.
INSIGHT

Past Investment Pays Long-Term Dividends

  • Ireland built a high-quality motorway network of about 1,000 km, with 750 km added between 2000–2010.
  • That investment (roughly €10bn) continues to deliver major societal and economic value.
ANECDOTE

Over-Engineered Cycle Lanes vs Big Wins

  • Conor criticises some over-engineered cycle infrastructure created to meet political ratios during road projects.
  • He contrasts that with successful large projects like the Port Tunnel and M50 which he praises as superb planning decisions.
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