2008 was the safest year on Ireland's roads since records began, that's according to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which recently released provisional figures for road deaths in 2008.

While 279 people tragically lost their lives on Irish roads in 2008, it is the lowest recorded number of road deaths in this country. Despite the fact that there are now over eight times the number of licensed vehicles and licence holders in the state compared to 1959, road deaths are 10% lower.

Year   Road Deaths
1959    306
1972    640
2007    338
2008    279

Commenting on the achievement Mr. Gay Byrne, Chairman, RSA said, "While one death is one too many what has been achieved by road users this year is historic and extraordinary.." However Mr. Byrne added that "there are still too many people dying needlessly on our roads..."

Some of the key statistics for 2008 include;

42% of road deaths were under 25 years of age. One third between 16 and 25.
46% of road deaths occurred at the weekend. Accounting for a fifth of road deaths.
Sunday was the most dangerous day of the week.
The hour between 9pm and 10pm was the most dangerous period in the day, with 36 deaths (13%).
The average monthly fatality rate was 23.
At 15 deaths December 2008 is the lowest recorded month in decades