ROAD DEATHS IN Ireland fell 57 per cent between 2007 and 2012, according to new figures released by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

Both Co Laois and Co Leitrim recorded no road fatalities last year and had a 100 per cent reduction over the six year period. Cork had the highest number of road deaths in 2012 at 23 but showed a 32 per cent decrease over the period.

Cavan was the only country to record an increase, of 20 per cent, in road fatalities from 2007 to 2012 and Co Offaly showed no change.

The top 10 best performing counties were Laois, Leitrim, Kildare, Monaghan, Clare, Tipperary, Carlow, Wicklow, Dublin and Donegal who all achieved reductions of more than 70 per cent.

Last year 161 people died in road incidents, compared to 186 in 2011 and 2012 the year before, showing a steady decline.

Commenting on the report’s findings, Noel Brett, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority said the reduction in road deaths in nearly every county in Ireland “shows just what can be achieved when communities come together and say, enough is enough, we don’t want any more people dying on our roads”.

“All it takes to make a difference is for one person to say, I’m going to change my behaviour on the roads so that I can keep myself and others safe when we’re out on the roads,” he added.

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