The number of Irish road deaths fell to 162 in 2012, the lowest level on record, down 24 from 2011. The Government’s road safety target of achieving no more than 252 deaths per annum by the end of 2012 was achieved three years ahead of schedule. There has been 173 road deaths a year to date (i.e. 12-month period measured backward from April 2013).

The 162 who died consisted of 29 pedestrians, 8 cyclists, 95 car occupants, 7 goods-van, 2 goods-HGV, 1 minibus, 19 bikers and 1 other.
Other figures show:

• 30% of deaths were aged 25 & under
• Sunday was the most dangerous day of the week with 39 deaths
• 67% of road deaths were male
• The hours between 4pm and 6pm were the most dangerous, with 41 deaths (25%)
• The average monthly fatality rate was 14 in 2012 compared to 16 in 2011 and 18 in 2010
• The safest month of the year was November when 8 deaths occurred.
  2011 road death and injury statistics

2012 road death and injury statistics

 Note: Figures are provisional for 2012