Cork one of the worst counties for driver fatalities and injuries

Cork was also the county with the most serious injuries.

Men make up almost four-fifths of driver fatalities in Ireland, with Cork being one of the worst counties for fatalities and injuries, a new report has revealed.

Between 2019 and 2023, 164 pedestrians were killed and 1,426 sustained serious injuries on Irish roads, according to new data from the Road Safety Authority (RSA) which reported Meath (9%) and Cork (8%) were the counties with the highest number of fatalities.

Cork was also the county with the most serious injuries (13%), closely followed by Dublin (11%). Between 2019 and 2023, 324 drivers were killed, and 2,353 drivers were seriously injured on the roads.

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 period. 

Male drivers 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 seriously injured were aged 16-45 years.

Some 85% of fatalities occurred on rural roads, and more than seven in 10 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%).

28% of driver fatalities and 28% of seriously injured drivers happened on a Saturday or Sunday.

High proportions of fatalities (66%) and serious injuries (68%) occurred on a straight road, while three in 10 fatalities and almost one in four serious injuries occurred on a road with a curve or slight bend.

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