April 2011 was confirmed as the safest month, since records began in 1959, for road deaths.

Provisional figures, released by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and An Garda Síochána, show that nine people lost their lives on Irish roads in April. Previously the lowest monthly-recorded figure was in December 2010, when ten people were killed on the roads.

Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar TD acknowledged the key role played by road users: “While one death is one too many, it is very important that we acknowledge the efforts of all road users in making April 2011 the safest on record. Your efforts to improve road safety, and to protect communities, have saved many lives…The new Government is absolutely committed to taking all action to save every life possible, and in this endeavour we need your commitment and support for the work of the Gardai and the RSA”.

A total of 66 people have died on the roads to date in 2011.