59 road fatalities in Ireland so far in 2026, according to An Garda Síochána
The most recent statistics from An Garda Síochána (to 13th May, 2026) confirm that during 2026 to date there have been 59 fatalities on the roads in Ireland. The statistics further confirm that of the total number the fatalities were:
- 24 drivers
- 10 passengers
- 17 pedestrians
- 4 motorcyclists
- 1 E-Scooter users
- 3 cyclists
- 0 Pillion passenger
How does this compare to 2025?
In 2025 there was a total of 185 fatalities on the road in Ireland. This represented an 8% increase from 2024 figures for the same period. The RSA statistics for 2025 further confirmed that of the total number:
- Highest number of fatalities were aged between 16-25 years
- 74% male/ 26% female
- November and December recorded highest number of fatalities. The lowest number occurred in months of February and June.
- Half of fatalities occurred over weekends.
- 54% of fatalities occurred on roads with a speed limit of 80km or higher.
- 19% of fatalities occurred on roads of a speed limit of 60km.
- The monthly average was 15 fatalities per month
- There was an increase in motorcyclists, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.
- The number of cyclist fatalities in 2025 was at the highest number since 2017.
- The number of motorcyclist fatalities was at the highest number since 2007.
- Counties Dublin (22), Cork (21), Galway (17), Donegal (10) and May (9) recorded the highest numbers in 2024.
- Only one county (Longford) recorded no deaths in 2025.
What to Do in the Case of a Fatal Injury on the Road
Here our Caroline McLaughlin, Partner, discusses frequently asked questions following fatal accidents on the road.
What do I do if I witness a fatal road accident?
If you witness a fatal road traffic accident you should immediately make, contact with the emergency services.
You should provide your name and contact details to members of An Garda Síochána present or make contact afterwards. You should keep note of what you observe in the area, the position of vehicles, weather conditions, speed and anything other information which may be relevant to any Garda investigation. You should provide a witness statement to the investigating Gardaí when requested. If you have dash camera footage you should retain same and make available to the investigating Garda.
If what you witness causes you any distress, you should seek medical attention to assist you in dealing with what you have witnessed. If you have suffered an injury from your experience, you should seek legal advice.
What do I do if I am involved in a fatal road accident?
If you are involved in an accident which results in a fatality you should ensure that the emergency services and Gardaí are immediately notified. You should follow their guidance at the scene. You should make all relevant information available so that the Gardaí can fully investigate the circumstances of the incident.
If you are involved as a driver, you should notify your insurance company of your involvement. Your vehicle may be held by An Garda Síochána for further investigations.
What do I do if a loved one is the victim of a fatal road accident?
If your loved one is the victim of a fatal road accident, we express our deepest sympathies to you. In the aftermath of a fatality not all information will be available. Dealing with the trauma of a bereavement is an extremely difficult time for any family.
There may be an ongoing Garda investigation which will involve taking statements from witnesses and gathering essential evidence. The Gardaí will appoint a Garda Family Liaison Officer to inform the family as to what is happening and further steps. There may be unanswered questions for a considerable period of time until investigations are concluded, and an Inquest takes place.
Depending on the circumstances of the incident it may be necessary to obtain legal advice from a Solicitor to advise on the legal processes involved to bring a fatal injury action.
What is a fatal injury?
When a wrongful act of another results in death a fatal injury action may be maintained by those defined by law as a dependent of the deceased.
Who is a dependent?
The list of persons classed as dependent are: –
- A spouse, civil partner (as defined by law), parent, grandparent, stepparent, child, grandchild, stepchild, brother, sister, half-brother, half sister
- A person whose marriage to the deceased was dissolved by decree of divorce
- A person whose civil partnership was dissolved by decree of dissolution
- A person with whom the deceased was living with as husband and wife for a continuous period of not less than 3 years.
Are there time periods I need to be aware of?
Under Irish Law an action relating to a fatal injury must be commenced within a period of 2 years. There is a further obligation to notify of intention to bring a case within a period of one month however, for those dealing with a bereavement it may not be possible for a family to obtain legal advice within this time period. In those circumstances legal advice should be obtained at the earliest opportunity.
Seek support
There are various support group in Ireland that can provide support to families including PARC Road Safety Group and the Irish Road Victims Association (IRVA). If required support should also be obtained from medical advisors.
Caroline McLaughlin is a Partner at Callan Tansey Solicitors LLP in the Personal Injury Department. She is an expert in Personal injury*/ fatal injury* actions. If you have questions about any of the issues raised in this article, or any other matters relating to Fatal Injury* you can contact Caroline or request a callback here:
*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement