Numbers killed on roads down almost a fifth on last year

The number of people killed on the roads so far this year is down 19 per cent on 2014.

One hundred and fifty four people were killed, up to Tuesday morning — 37 fewer than last year, according to a provisional examination of data for the year, published today.

"Every category of road user has seen a reduction," said Moya Murdock, chief executive of the Road Safety Authority. That said, she added, motorcyclists, pedal cyclists remained "very much more vulnerable " than other road users.

Most deaths occurred on higher speed roads; young drivers remained four to five times more likely to be involved on crashes.

Ms Doherty said parents who allowed learner drivers to drive unaccompanied “do them no service”. Learner drivers modified their behaviour when an experienced adult was sitting beside them.

Of those who died to date this year, 69 were drivers, 25 passengers, 31 pedestrians, 20 motorcyclists and nine were cyclists.

Garda Chief Superintendent Mark Curren urged people to behave responsibly over Christmas and the New Year, as did the Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe.

“Behind every incident,” said the Minister, “is behaviour.”

Ms Doherty said 2015 wasn’t over. “There could be another four to six deaths before the end of this tear,” she said.