Over the time period 2008 to 2012, 983 fatal collisions occurred on Irish roads claiming the lives of 1,077 people. This report examines 867 of the fatal collisions which occurred during this time period specifically focusing on the role of alcohol as a contributory factor in a fatal collision.

The road collision database in Ireland is created using a form called a C(T)68 forwarded to the Road Safety Authority (RSA) from An Garda Síochána. The information provided in this form is based on preliminary information collected at the scene of a collision and does not constitute the findings of the final investigation. The RSA issues reports regularly using the data contained in this database as the best available representation of fatal and injury collisions.

However, this report is based on an analysis of the completed Garda investigation file where the full circumstances of the collisions are available. Access was granted by An Garda Síochána to the completed Investigation File produced for each collision. The file contains two main reports:

1. An Garda Síochána Investigation Report

2. Forensic Collision Investigation Report (FCI)

The RSA collected the data in the Garda National Traffic Bureau. This report provides an analysis of the data by collision, by vehicle and by contributory factor. Therefore, the figures and totals will change depending on the category.