The number of Irish road deaths fell to 212 in 2010, the lowest level on record, down 26 from 2009. The Government’s road safety target of achieving no more than 252 deaths per annum by the end of 2012 was achieved three years ahead of schedule.

The 212 who died consisted of 44 pedestrians, 5 cyclists, 91 drivers, 55 passengers and 17 bikers.

Other figures show:
• 38% of deaths were aged under 25
• Sunday was the most dangerous day of the week with 54 deaths
• 43% of road deaths happened at the weekend
• The hours between 6pm and 8pm were the most dangerous, with 27 deaths (13%)
• The average monthly fatality rate was 18 in 2010 compared to 20 in 2009 and 23 in 2008
• The safest month of the year was December when 10 deaths occurred. This is also the safety month on record