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New RSA Report Reveals 324 Drivers Killed on Irish Roads Between 2019 and 2023

IRSW 10.10.2024

Between 2019 and 2023, 324 drivers were killed, and 2,353 drivers were seriously injured on Irish roads, according to a new report from the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

According to the RSA’s Driver Spotlight Report: Fatalities and serious Injuries 2019-2023 report an average of 65 drivers were killed and 471 drivers were seriously injured annually over this five-year period. For every driver fatality there were seven drivers seriously injured.

Male drivers are over-represented in the study. They represent almost eight in 10 (78%) of driver fatalities, while just over six in 10 (61%) seriously injured drivers were male. Over half of drivers killed and serious injured were aged 16-45 years.

A large majority, 85%, of fatalities occurred on rural roads, and over seven in ten drivers were seriously injured on rural roads (73%). An urban road has a speed limit of 60km/h or less, while a rural road has a speed limit of 80km/h or more.

Sam Waide, chief executive of the RSA, said: “Drivers represent 43% of fatalities and one third of serious injuries during the period of this important report. All drivers have a huge responsibility in making sure our roads are safe for all users. Whether you’re a new driver or have been driving for decades, it’s paramount to drive safely. Speeding and impaired driving continue to be killer behaviours, and it is important to stay alert and never text, use social media or talk on the phone while driving.”

The highest proportion of fatalities (12%) occurred in December, while high numbers of serious injuries occurred in August (10%), October (9%) and December (9%).

Over a quarter (28%) of driver fatalities and over a quarter (28%) of seriously injured drivers were injured on a Saturday or Sunday.

Meath (9%) and Cork (8%) were the counties with the highest number of fatalities. Cork (13%) and Dublin (11%) had the most serious injuries.

High proportions of fatalities (66%) and serious injuries (68%) occurred on a straight road. While three in ten fatalities and almost one in four serious injuries occurred on a road with a curve or slight bend.

Please see link to the report here

A total of 139 people have been killed on Irish roads in 2024, 6 less compared to the same period in 2023.

Notes:

  • The report provides an overview of fatalities and serious injuries among drivers for the years 2019-2023.
  • It was prepared using data from the Irish Road Traffic Collision Database, which is based on collision records transferred from An Garda Síochána to the RSA.
  • All information in this report is provisional and subject to change. This means that the fatality and serious injury statistics presented may change at a later date when new information becomes available.
  • Note that the information in this report is based on preliminary findings of the AGS investigation, at an early stage in the process. It does not contain information on contributory factors from the final completed investigation process.