Study: Ireland ninth safest European country for driving
The study, carried out by Vignetteswitzerland.com, analysed the latest data from the European Transport Safety Council's (ETSC) Performance Index (PIN) 2025 report, ranking European countries based on their 2024 road fatality figures.
According to the study, Ireland recorded 172 road deaths in 2024, maintaining "strong safety performance" across both urban centres and rural counties.
It also found that Ireland's roads are more than twice as safe as Serbia's, which is Europe's most dangerous driving country.
The study revealed that despite having one of Europe's "most extensive rural road networks" and challenging Atlantic weather conditions, Ireland maintains consistent safety standards nationwide.
The table below outlines Europe's top 10 safest driving countries:
Rank Country 2024 Road deaths Population 2024 Road deaths per million Difference to EU average 32 Norway 89 5,550,217 16 -64% 31 Sweden 213 10,551,707 20 -56% 30 Malta 12 563,443 21 -53% 29 Denmark 145 5,961,249 24 -47% 28 United Kingdom 1,702 69,200,000 25 -44% 27 Luxembourg 18 672,050 27 -40% 26 Switzerland 250 8,962,258 28 -38% 25 Finland 176 5,603,851 31 -31% 23 Ireland 172 5,351,681 32 -29% 23 Slovenia 68 2,123,949 32 -29% Europe's top 10 safest driving countries.
The following table outlines Europe's top 10 most dangerous driving countries:
Rank Country 2024 Road deaths Population 2024 Road deaths per million residents Difference to EU average 1 Serbia 514 6,605,168 78 +73% 2 Romania 1,477 19,067,576 77 +71% 3 Bulgaria 478 6,445,481 74 +64% 4 Greece 665 10,400,720 64 +42% 5 Croatia 239 3,861,967 62 +38% 6 Latvia 112 1,871,882 60 +33% 6 Portugal 634 10,639,726 60 +33% 8 Hungary 497 9,584,627 52 +16% 8 Poland 1,896 36,620,970 52 +16% 10 Italy 3,030 58,971,230 51 +13% Europe's top 10 most dangerous driving countries
The CEO of Vignetteswitzerland.com, Mattijs Wijnmalen said: "Ireland's ninth-place ranking is particularly impressive, given the unique challenges of maintaining road safety across such a diverse road network.
"From the busy M50 around Dublin to winding coastal roads in Kerry and Donegal, Ireland manages an incredibly varied driving environment that includes some of Europe's most scenic, and challenging, rural routes."
"The 29% improvement over the EU average represents significant progress, especially considering Ireland's challenging weather conditions and the mix of local traffic, agricultural vehicles, and international tourists navigating unfamiliar roads," Wijnmalen added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Warning to more than 5 MILLION drivers in UK over new compulsory test that could see you banned from roads
Elderly drivers could be banned from the road under the new rule GEARING UP Warning to more than 5 MILLION drivers in UK over new compulsory test that could see you banned from roads A WARNING has been issued to more than five million British drivers who could be banned from the roads under a new rule. Ministers are considering introducing new rules for older drivers in England and Wales. 4 The government is considering a number of new road safety law changes Credit: Getty 4 The new rules could see older motorists forced to undergo regular eye and health tests Credit: Getty Mandatory eye tests for elderly motorists are being considered along with a raft of other legislation according to The Times. The proposals, set to be published as part of a road safety strategy in the autumn, also include tougher penalties for uninsured driving and failing to wear a seatbelt. It was reported that the drink drive limit was also set to be changed as part of the new road safety plans. The change would mark the biggest shake-up of driving rules for nearly two decades. Drivers over 70-years-old are already subject to different rules on the road. When someone turns 70 they must begin renewing their licence every three years and they automatically lose their C1 or D1 entitlements. C1 allows users to drive medium-sized vehicles with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of between 3,500kg and 7,500kg and D1 entails users can drive minubuses with no more than 16 passenger seats. The new rules would slap older drivers with further regulations and come amid concern over the number of road traffic accidents on Britain's roads. Last year, 1,633 people were killed and almost 28,000 seriously injured in traffic incidents. Numbers have remained relatively constant following a large fall between 2000 and 2010. Shocking moment elderly driver takes his car hurtling down Rome's iconic Spanish Steps - before saying 'I got mixed up' Meanwhile, the number of people killed in drink-driving incidents has risen over the past decade, reaching a 13-year high in 2022. This prompted concern that existing road safety measures are no longer working. Under the plans being considered by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, the drink-drive limit in England and Wales could be cut from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms. This figure would be in line with Scotland – which cut its drink-drive limit in 2014 – and the rest of Europe. 4 Over 70s are already required to renew their licence every three years Credit: Getty 4 Millions of motorists could be banned under the new regulations Credit: Getty The UK is one of only three European countries to rely on self-reporting of eyesight problems that affect driving. Ministers are therefore considering compulsory eye tests every three years for drivers aged over 70 when they renew their licence. Any who fail the eye test would be slapped with a driving ban under the new legislation. A potential medical test for conditions such as dementia is also reportedly being looked at alongside eye tests. Other proposals are reported to include allowing the police to bring prosecutions for drug-driving on the basis of roadside saliva tests rather than blood tests as increasing numbers of drivers are caught with drugs in their system. The strategy is due to be published in the autumn, and all proposals will be subject to consultation Edmund King, AA president, said: 'The time has come for a bold and proactive approach to road safety. 'This strategy is much overdue as road deaths have plateaued over the last decade. 'We believe these new measures will not only modernise our approach to saving lives but also provide renewed momentum in making our roads safer for everyone.' Vision checks for older drivers and targeting drink and drug drivers are 'practical steps that can make a real difference', he said. Failing to introduce limits on new drivers transporting peer-age passengers for six months is 'a major oversight', he added.
Agriland
6 days ago
- Agriland
DAFM in the market for a new reverse drive tractor
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is currently inviting tenders for the supply and delivery of a new tractor. According to the tender documents, the department is seeking a four-wheel drive (4WD) reverse drive agricultural tractor with a horsepower requirment of between 130-160hp. The new tractor must be delivered to Kildalton Agricultural College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny. The document also notes that tenders must allow for trade in of a 2000 New Holland TS115 tractor (115hp). The estimated value of the tender, which closes for submissions at 2:00p.m on July 18, is €120,000 excluding VAT. DAFM is responsible for the Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) trials of new varieties of agricultural crop species. Newly bred crop varieties are submitted to the department for evaluation by European and world plant breeders via their Irish agents. Varieties are independently assessed for yield, quality and agronomic traits. The most suitable varieties from National List trials are assessed for a further one or two sowings to determine their suitability for inclusion on the recommended list. The department's crop policy, evaluation and certification division operates farms at various locations around the country and also has trials on farmer sites. At the DAFM centres, commercial crops are grown in conjunction with the trials. The tender documents outline that these tasks require tractors and other machinery in order to prepare the soil for sowing, crop husbandry including spraying plant protection products and spreading fertiliser and other duties such as moving grain trailers. "The new tractor is sought to replace a 2000 registration New Holland TS115 tractor (115HP), to afford the division a tractor with additional specification, efficiency and health and safety features," the document states.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Huge crisis-hit carmaker to slash MORE jobs amid wave of closures after profits dropped by 90% in one year
LONG ROAD AHEAD Huge crisis-hit carmaker to slash MORE jobs amid wave of closures after profits dropped by 90% in one year A MAJOR carmaker is set to cut more jobs as it struggles to recover from a 90 per cent profit plunge and global plant closures. The Japanese automaker has started crunch talks with union reps over job losses at its European regional HQ in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France – where it employs around 560 staff. 3 The car manufacturer has confirmed that consultations are underway with staff representatives at Nissan Automotive Europe Credit: Getty 3 The job cuts are part of a massive overhaul pushed forward by new CEO Ivan Espinosa, who took the helm in April Credit: Getty Nissan has confirmed that consultations are underway with staff representatives at Nissan Automotive Europe, which also manages the firm's operations across Africa, the Middle East, India and Oceania. An internal document and emails, seen by Reuters, revealed that the office is facing sweeping changes. A source close to the situation said major restructuring is planned, although full details are still under wraps. The talks are set to wrap up by 20 October, with final announcements expected in November. Managers and union bosses have agreed to look at voluntary redundancies first, before moving to any forced layoffs. 'Conducted with care' In an email sent on 31 July, Nissan's regional vice chair Massimiliano Messina told employees: 'We are working diligently and respectfully with all parties to ensure that this process is conducted with care, transparency and in full compliance with legal requirements.' He added that no concrete decisions had yet been taken. The job cuts are part of a massive overhaul pushed forward by new CEO Ivan Espinosa, who took the helm in April. The plan includes axing around 15 percent of the global workforce, cutting production capacity by 30 per cent and trimming the number of manufacturing sites from 17 to 10. Nissan forced to close down another dealership with customers told in onsite message sales have 'concluded' for good The struggling brand hopes the move will help it claw back 500 billion yen – roughly £2.7 billion – in savings. Closures around the globe In another blow, Nissan announced last week that it would shut down production at its Civac plant in Mexico by March 2026. The company also confirmed it would end vehicle output at its Oppama facility in Japan by March 2028, followed by the closure of its Shonan plant – run by Nissan-Shatai – by 2027. Nissan has been grappling with poor sales in key markets like China and the United States, which has added to the financial strain caused by years of aggressive global expansion. The firm currently employs around 19,000 people across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India and Oceania – with nearly 60% of those jobs based in Europe. The Sun has approached Nissan for comment.
