A total of 150 people have died on Irish roads so far this year, an increase of 12 compared with the same period in 2025.
New provisional figures from An Garda Síochána show that 45 of those killed were under the age of 25, meaning young people account for almost one in three road fatalities. That compares with 32 deaths among under-25s during the same period last year.
The figures show that 57 drivers and 25 passengers have died in road collisions in 2026. A further 29 pedestrians, 22 motorcyclists and 13 cyclists have also lost their lives. Four e-scooter or e-bike users have died, twice last year's figure.
Men accounted for the vast majority of fatalities, with 117 male victims compared with 32 female victims.
Weekends remain a particular concern, with 42% of fatal collisions occurring on Saturdays and Sundays. Sunday was the deadliest day, with 38 people killed.
Dublin has recorded the highest number of road deaths so far this year, with 21 fatalities. Cork has recorded 13, while Meath and Donegal have each reported 10.
Gardaí said multiple-fatality collisions have had a significant impact on this year's figures. Seven collisions involving multiple vehicles accounted for 17 deaths, including the fatal crash on the M9 in August in which five young men died.
View this post on Instagram
With road deaths continuing to be a serious concern, Radio Nova is putting its platform behind a nationwide road safety initiative aimed at improving awareness and helping people stay safer on Irish roads.
The station is joining 20 other independent radio stations in the campaign, which will see broadcasters create and air their own road safety content over the coming year.
Together, the 21 stations will broadcast more than 1,200 pieces of content, including more than 100 documentary and discussion programmes and around 1,100 shorter feature episodes.
For Radio Nova, the programming will include practical road safety information, expert interviews and real-life experiences, with content developed specifically for its audience across Dublin and the surrounding counties.
The campaign will also feature first-hand accounts from people who attend road collisions and support those affected, alongside information and analysis from An Garda Síochána, the Road Safety Authority and local authorities.
Radio Nova will also highlight the experiences of people directly affected by road collisions, helping bring home the consequences of dangerous driving and the importance of making responsible choices on every journey.
The project is supported by the News Reporting Scheme, which helps fund public interest journalism through Coimisiún na Meán and the Exchequer.
Listeners can find Radio Nova's road safety features and programmes on the station's website.
