174 people lost their lives on Irish roads in 2024, according to statistics published by the Road Safety Authority.
The deaths were a result of 160 fatal collisions across the country throughout the last year.
The total figure is down from 181 in 2023, according to the statistics which are based on operational data from An Garda Síochána.
Dublin (23), Cork (19), Mayo (19) and Donegal (17) were the counties that recorded the highest number of deaths, accounting for 45% of the total fatalities in 2024.
Analysis of the figures also revealed 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.
A number of deaths were reclassified throughout the year for a number of reasons, including formal post-mortem examiniation results, garda investigations and coroners inquests.
These reclassifications can also occur when it is ruled that the cause of death was not due to the impact of the accident, such as pre-existing medical conditions, or where the cause of the crash suggests a more appropriate classification such as homicide or personal misadventure.
In a statement, Minister of State with responsibility for Transport James Lawless said that the Department were working on making roads safer and extended his condolences to the families of the 174 victims.
“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,” he 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,” he added.
Meanwhile, 68 people died on Northern Ireland’s roads in 2024, according to provisional figures from the PSNI.
