The number of Irish road deaths fell to 239 in 2009, the lowest level on record, down 40 from 2008. 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.

The 239 who died consisted of 40 pedestrians, 7 cyclists, 128 drivers, 38 passengers and 27 bikers.

Other figures show:

• 40% of deaths were aged under 25
• Sunday was the most dangerous day of the week with 51 deaths
• 49% of road deaths happened at the weekend
• The hours between 6pm and 8pm were the most dangerous, with 30 deaths (13%)
• The average monthly fatality rate was 20 in 2009 compared to 23 in 2008 and 28 in 2007
• The safest month of the year was September when 13 deaths occurred. This is also the safety month on record

2009 road death and injury statistics

Note*:

These are preliminary figures for 2009