Road Deaths Rise by 8% in 2025 as 185 Lives Lost on Irish Roads

Provisional figures released today reveal a concerning increase in road fatalities across Ireland, with 185 people losing their lives on public roads during 2025, up from 171 the previous year.

The Road Safety Authority report, published on New Year's Day, shows that fatal collisions increased from 157 in 2024 to 174 in 2025, representing an 8% rise in deaths year on year.

Drivers accounted for the largest share of fatalities at 41% (76 deaths), followed by pedestrians at 22% (41 deaths) and motorcyclists at 16% (30 deaths). Passengers made up 11% of deaths (21), pedal cyclists 8% (14), and e-scooter users 2% (3).

The figures highlight particular concern for vulnerable road users. Cyclist deaths reached their highest level since 2017, while motorcyclist fatalities were the highest recorded since 2007. Passenger deaths were the only category to show a decrease.

Approximately three quarters of those killed were male. November and December proved the deadliest months, recording 21 and 24 fatalities respectively, while February and June saw the fewest deaths at 11 each.

Minister of State Seán Canney TD:

"Last year was an incredibly difficult year on Irish roads. Too many families have faced heartbreak. Too many communities have been left grieving. It is a stark reminder that road safety is not just a policy area or a set of statistics: this is about people's lives, about loved ones, about futures changed in an instant."

Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA:

"It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the tragic loss of life on Ireland's roads in 2025. We are deeply concerned by the increase in fatalities, particularly among our most vulnerable road users: cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists."

Assistant Commissioner Catharina Gunne, An Garda Síochána:

"2025 has been a devastating year for the families of the 190 persons who died on our roads. Each of these deaths has had a profound impact on their loved ones, families, friends, colleagues and communities."

She added that Gardaí remain committed to targeting drivers with the most dangerous behaviours, calling on the public to make driving under the influence, speeding, and distracted driving "unacceptable behaviours" that communities call out.

The RSA's Provisional Review of Fatalities for 2025 is available on rsa.ie.