Provisional statistics published by the RSA (Road Safety Authority) for 2017, show there was a drop by 15% in road deaths in 2017 compared to 2016. Reports from An Garda Síochána were used for this analysis.
On the 31st of December 2017 there was a total of 158 people who lost their lives on our roads. This was a result of 143 fatal crashes. In 2016 186 people lost their lives on Ireland’s roads. This was a result of 174 fatal crashes. These statistics show a 15% drop in deaths or 28 fewer fatalities. They also show there was 31 fewer fatal crashes or an 18% drop. 2017 was the safest year on Ireland’s roads since road deaths were first being recorded in 1959. Up until 2017, 2015 was the safest year on record, with 162 deaths being recorded.
Summary of 2017 Report
- 158 fatalities in 143 fatal collisions in 2017
- There was an increase in pedal cyclist fatalities (+5) in 2017 in comparison to 2016
- There was a decrease in fatalities across drivers (-14), passengers (-12), motorcyclists (-2) and pedestrians (-5)
- There was also fewer child fatalities in 2017 compared to 2016.
- The group at highest risk are people aged 66 and older (21%), 16-25-year olds (21%) and people aged 26-35 (18%). This was a similar trend to the findings in 2016
- The most dangerous month on roads was March, the 20 deaths. This was followed by July and November, with 17 deaths in each.
- The time when the highest number of fatalities occurred were between 12pm & 4pm (39)
- The day when the highest number of fatalities was Monday (37), this was followed by Sunday (32)
- The counties with the highest number of fatalities were Dublin with 23, Cork with 14 & Mayo with 12.
- The non-wearing of seat belts remains as a concern for passengers and drivers.