Last year was the safest in terms of fatalities on Irish roads since the present record system began in 1959, according to figures released by the Road Safety Authority (RSA). There were still 240 tragic loses of life, but this is 39 fewer then the 279 deaths in 2008. The figure also means that the Government target of reducing fatalities to 252 by 2012 has already been achieved.

Gay Byrne, Chairman of the RSA commented, “There are 39 people alive and well today because road users made better choices in 2009. Choices not to speed, not to drive while tired and to wear a high visibility jacket when walking. I want to pay tribute to the decent people of this country who have changed their attitudes and their behaviour for the better.” He added, “The biggest challenge facing us now is to change the culture of speeding in this country, through enforcement and educational campaigns. The introduction of a network of safety cameras across the country in mid 2010 will play a leading role in tackling this problem.”