Road deaths slightly down in 2024
Provisional road traffic collision figures show that the number of road deaths last year decreased by four per cent compared to 2023.
A total of 174 people died in 160 fatal collisions in 2024 compared to 181 deaths in 170 collisions in 2023. This represents a decrease of 7 deaths or a 4% drop in road deaths compared to last year.
The figures were published by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) this week following an analysis from provisional fatal collision reports from An Garda Síochána.
They reveal a high proportion of male fatalities, a continuation of 2023’s increased level of young fatalities (aged 25 years or less) and a high number of fatalities in the evening between 4pm and 8pm.
Dublin (23), Cork (19), Mayo (19) and Donegal (17) were the counties that recorded the highest number of deaths, accounting for 45 per cent of the total fatalities.
Minister of State with special responsibility for Road Safety, James Lawless said: “Every single one of these deaths on our roads is a tragedy. We extend deepest sympathies to the friends, families and communities affected by these losses. I would also like to pay tribute to the emergency services, first responders, hospital workers and others who do such incredible work helping people on scene and in the aftermath of these events.
“The work of my department is focused on making our roads safer for everyone who uses them. In February 2025 the default speed limit on rural local roads will be reduced, following the recommendation of the 2023 Speed Limit Review. This will tackle one of the biggest contributory factors to road collisions - speed. This year we will also be moving into Phase 2 of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, and it is incumbent on all of us to play our part in achieving our goal of halving deaths and serious injuries by 2030.”
Mr Sam Waide, chief executive, RSA said: “With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of 174 lives to road traffic collisions last year year, and our deepest thoughts are with the devastated families left grieving a loved one in 2024, including at Christmas. Despite this profound loss, the reduction in the number of fatalities on Irish roads is a very modest but important step in reversing the high number of road deaths we've seen over the past two years. This progress underscores the urgency to intensify our efforts. To truly turn the tide, as part of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy, we must harness more technology, deliver impactful awareness campaigns and continue road safety education, to create a safer future for all road users in Ireland.”